Villarreal CF stint will help me to play better in ISL: Mandar

FC Goa midfielder Mandar Rao Desai today said that his two-week trial-cum-training stint with Spanish La Liga side Villarreal CF will help him a great deal during his team's campaign in ISL 3.
FC Goa will leave for Brazil to have their pre-season training at Zico 10 academy in Rio de Janeiro.
"The experience in Spain was something completely different for me as compared to Indian football. The players, managers and coaching staff treated me as one of their own. I have learnt new techniques and concentrated on positioning," Mandar said.
"Spanish football is fast and one needs to defend higher. One of the things I learnt was to stay focused on the ball even if we lost it to the opposing team so that we could retrieve it. The players were very helpful inspite of the language barrier.

"I played in a few games during my time there and the coaches kept a keen eye on me. The feedback given by coach Carlos Peres was that as a player I am not too different as compared to the Spanish players and given more time they could develop me into a better player as I would understand the formation and technique over time.
"The team at Villareal are keen to have me back and will decide once the Indian Super League season is over. They will be keeping an eye on the season here as well," said the Dempo SC player, who was the captain of the Goa-India football team that won a gold at the 2014 Lusofonia Games.

Mandar had excellent season last year with FC Goa where he scored three goals in 15 appearance and he is looking forward to win the ISL title this time after they lost against Chennaiyin FC in the Finals here last year.
"We have the same team as last year with a few additions and in a week or two we should be in good shape to understand each other and the playing styles that we have. Coach Zico has been a great mentor to me and the pre-season training in Rio at his academy will be a unique experience," said Mandar.