Pedro Obiang is loving life with West Ham United and cannot wait to take on Manchester City this Saturday.
The Spanish midfielder has settled in quickly following his summer move from Sampdoria and played a key role as the Hammers saw off Liverpool in their last away game.
Having shaken off a knock, he is ready to play at Etihad Stadium and is looking for another big result.
You’re playing Manchester City this Saturday, what have you made of them so far?
PO: “I think they are a great team; they’ve been trying to build the perfect group of players for quite a few years now, in the hunt to win titles.”
How do you think they will approach the game, knowing how West Ham have done against Liverpool and Arsenal?
PO: “I think Manchester City, like all big teams do, will play how they want to play. They’ll look to dominate matches but we’re West Ham, we’ll work very hard to try and stop them.”
I heard you picked up a knock, but are you OK to play?
PO: “I had a small problem but I am available to play and it is up to the coach to decide, I’m ready to play physically.”
How do you review your appearances for West Ham so far?
PO: “Every game has been very different from one to another. There have been a lot of ups and downs, the first game I was unable to make a difference as we lost. The second game I played the whole game and we lost, then the third we won away. For my fourth I came on in the second half and we won, so I’m still settling in but I feel I’m getting better and better.”
How does the Premier League compare to the Italian and Spanish leagues you’ve played in?
PO: “The Premier League has its own charm and appeal for me ever since I was very young. I’ve always wanted to play and compete here. The quality of football played here is fantastic but also the way everyone treats you at the Club is very special. From the Board, the staff and the fans, everyone is very respectful.
“La Liga is a much more technical league; everything is decided in the final six yards of the pitch. Italy is much more tactical and a lot of counter attacking. In Spain, it is about who scores the most goals, in Italy it is about who concedes the fewest goals. I think in England, it is about who plays the best football.”
What is the area of your game that you would like to improve the most?
PO: “To put it very simply, I would to score more goals as I think scoring goals is one of the best feelings you can have as a sportsman.”