Despite the difficult start, Calderon believes it is just a matter of time before the team starts to play in his way.
Follow Us
Inigo Calderon made a dream return to Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer. The former player returned to the club as head coach of the men’s under-18s team. It was a move that was met with a lot of excitement among the supporters due to Calderon’s earlier connection with the club. The former right-back has enjoyed some memorable moments with the side, which will undoubtedly not be forgotten by the supporters.
He has travelled across the globe and played for different clubs since then. Prior to his return, Inigo Calderon has also gained some coaching experience. However, his start to life at Brighton has been tough. His men’s under-18s side is placed tenth in the 13-team Premier League South after seven matches. Despite the difficult start, Calderon believes it is just a matter of time before the team starts to play in his way. “We are still in pre-season a little bit in terms of our understanding of the way we want to play, but the problem is the league season has started,” he was quoted as saying by the club’s web site.
He added: “So you have to build up the team in those games which isn’t ideal. But we have to make the best of it knowing that we will reach the level we want to get to. We’re working really well and I am so happy with the players. I see in the sessions more than the games the improvement they’re making. We’re not always clear in games with our style, but it will take time for that to come. It’s about taking the standards in training sessions into games. But I feel it’s a matter of time before the ideas and concepts start showing on the pitch.”
The former defender also feels that his players are now, not only training hard, but are also starting to find joy amidst it. “At the beginning I thought maybe the players almost had too much respect for me because I was too harsh, maybe I was too angry. I was probably picking up more on what they weren’t doing as well, but they were getting to know me and I think they understand that football is business. This week they trained really hard, but at the same time they were having a laugh. That’s what I want. They’re here to work, but they can find joy in that,” he explained.
Calderon also spoke about the challenges he faced off the pitch while returning to Brighton. “It’s been an intense few months, especially the first two when my family were still in Spain. I used those days to speak with everyone here, because I wanted to know everything. I have had a few dreams about the first team as well. I have been trying to understand on a deeper level how the first team play, I was getting up at 5am and coming to the training ground and would be the last to leave,” he stated.
He added: “I had to do it because I needed to understand but I have really enjoyed it. I was under pressure as well because I was struggling to find a school for my kids and a flat that was suitable for my family. It was not easy. I felt bad because I thought it would be easier to get the kids into school, but everything has worked out well.”
More Football Stories:
David Raya to Arsenal: Why did the Spaniard choose to join the Gunners on loan?
Andre Onana to Manchester United: What is the new goalkeeper’s jersey number for 2023-24 season?
Premier League: Which players have scored the most goals in a single season?
EPL stats: Which clubs have conceded the most last-minute winners in Premier League?
EPL stats: Which clubs have scored the most number of last-minute winners in Premier League?
How long will Kevin De Bruyne be out injured? Pep Guardiola responds
