Izquierdo Targets Positive Start At The Amex

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jose Izquierdo stressed the importance of making a positive start from the off against West Ham United at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Seagulls welcome the Hammers to the south coast for an important game in the battle against relegation this season, and Izquierdo urges his team-mates to give everything they have to secure maximum points on home soil.

He said, “It’s important because we’re at home and we have to show the respect for our home and give everything to try and get the three points.

“I think we have to get some more points at home. We have to start this weekend and manage the pressure that comes with being in a difficult position.

“We need to start fast and try to score at the earliest moment in the game and keep working.

“For me it’s a key game, like the one on Wednesday, which was very disappointing, but the most important thing is not to lose.”

The Colombian has made 20 appearances for Albion since joining from Club Brugge in the summer, and he admitted how much he’s enjoying his football in the Premier League.

“It’s something unique in the world, and all the players wish they could come here to play. Before I came here, I had an expectation, but it has surpassed my expectations and I’m living the dream.

“Each day I’m learning from my team-mates, my coaches and all the people that are close to me. The most important thing is that you can learn new things and you can use these things in life.
 
“When I was younger in Colombia watching the games on TV, the players looked smaller - but when you’re playing against them face to face, you see that they’re bigger, more powerful and experienced.

“It’s unbelievable and you know that you have to work and change some things to reach that level and fight in the same way.”

Izquierdo scored his first Albion goal in the reverse fixture at the London Stadium in October, when the Seagulls ran out 3-0 winners, but he showed his focus towards creating more happy memories this weekend.

“It was a good moment and it does give you confidence, but that was a long time ago and this is a new game and a new moment, a new year.

“We have to treat this game differently with the respect for the importance of this game. We have to respect our home.”

To watch the full interview with Jose Izquierdo, click here to view on Seagulls TV.