FCS high-flyer Odogwu: “Serie A would be a big dream”

Raphael Odogwu is one of the faces of the white-red success. He spoke to “Zett” about how this came about.

Mr Odogwu, there were three defeats at the start. Things have been going really smoothly since then. What changed after the Reggina game? Raphael Odogwu: “We started with three defeats, but you have to say that the result against Brescia and Venezia didn't correspond to how the game went. But the win against Pisa was certainly a key moment. That clearly showed us that we can survive in this league. So we cleared our heads, the pressure was relieved and we were able to play our game freely.”

How important are the personalities of Leandro Greco and Pierpaolo Bisoli for you?

“Leandro Greco is very important to me personally. He has already taught me a lot in the past year. Both on the pitch and mentally. This year he put his trust in me. And that also applies to Pierpaolo Bisoli. He told me straight away that if I worked consistently I could become a very important player for the team. He also reflected this trust by letting me play often. When you have a coach who has such trust in you, then you are willing to give everything.”

Eight hits and you are a fixture in the game. Did you expect this before the season?

“No, definitely not (laughs). Because there was talk that I could leave the club. But that's exactly the beauty of football: the best things can happen when you least expect it. And then you get back everything you've worked so hard for over the past few years. This year things are going very well. I’m an important player for this team and I’m working hard to continue to be that way.”

Raphael Odogwu has extended his contract until 2025.

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia has left the club. And the team responded with a new series...

“Apart from Lionel Messi in Argentina, I don’t think there are any players who can’t be replaced. Every player has his qualities. Hans's skills were of course clearly visible, be it in the shot or in the build-up of the game. But we now had to replace him and we did that. Luca Belardinelli took his place. He is physically stronger than Hans and also runs more meters. In this way, Hans' qualities are offset by this change and Luca's qualities. Within the team, what counts first is the collective and cohesion and not individual players. Because at the end of the day you have to say clearly: Everyone can somehow be replaced collectively.”

Coach Pierpaolo Bisoli said that you also have the quality for Serie A. Will we see you there soon with FC Südtirol?

“That would of course be a big dream. The way we started the season and the way we were basically labeled, it would be a dream that could show many people that hard work pays off in the end. But the focus is on something else first. There are still a few points missing to secure relegation. Only when we have achieved this goal can we start dreaming about other things. Then of course we would do everything we could to make this dream come true.”

In any case, you will feel at home in South Tyrol...

“My wife and I feel very comfortable here. So as long as there is the opportunity to play here, I would like to stay.”

What else would you like to see for the rest of the season?

“I want to score double-digit goals! I'm just two hits short of reaching the 'minimum target' (laughs). Of course I want to get the most out of it with the team. Now that means collecting important points.”

Pressure is part of professional football. What do you do to clear your head a bit?

“When I get home I try not to watch any more football games. Otherwise, at some point it will be too much and all you can think about is football. Otherwise, I really like traveling and going on excursions. So I really enjoy going on trips with my wife in my free time. Otherwise, I sometimes watch something on TV that isn’t sports-focused or go out for a drink with my friends.”

Serie B Italy	SP	TV	P
1. Parma	33	59:32	69
2. As	33	49:35	64
3. Venice	33	60:38	61
4. Cremonese	33	43:28	59
5. Catanzaro	33	53:42	55
6. Palermo	33	58:48	51
View all

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

FCS high-flyer Odogwu: “Serie A would be a big dream”

He is a crowd favorite, but above all a goal guaranteeer and an integral part of the FC Südtirol team. After staying in the league with the White-Reds, which was still considered impossible in September, the beefy striker dreams of more.

Suggestions

Comments (0)