Inigo Calderon admits that it’s been an ‘intense’ return to the club, but he’s loves his role as head coach of our men’s under-18s.
His team have had a mixed start to the campaign, and sit tenth in the 13-team Premier league South after seven games.
The Spaniard thinks that is because his squad have are getting used to a new approach.
“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. 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.”
Inigo, or ‘Calde’ as he is known around the club, believes that his own approach is rubbing off on his players.
“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.”
Embedding himself back into life in Brighton on and off the pitch has certainly had its challenges.
“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. 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."
"And how has he found life back in the city? I love Brighton the city and the club. It’s different and I prefer Brighton to anywhere else."