Super Eagles box-to-box midfielder opens up about life in the English Premier League, and clubs goals and aspirations…
Super Eagles midfielder, Frank Onyeka, has spoken extensively about his time in the Premier League, soccernet.ng reports.
Speaking on The Hindsight Podcast, the midfielder spoke intricately about dealing with fitness after injuries and life with other Nigerians in the Premier League. When quizzed about Brentford’s approach to achieving their goals as a team, the midfielder said;
“We discuss our goals before we go into the season, and even as of now, the coaches and the staff have already started planning ahead.”
Onyeka went further, talking about the aspirations of the team and how the dream is still alive and well, going from just staying in the English top flight to possibly securing a spot in European competition.
“Last season, the goal was to stay in the League and finish as high as possible. So maybe next season, things will change.”
Top four?
“Europe. Top four might be tough because there’s Manchester City, Newcastle, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. We believe in ourselves, but also it is not an easy task.”
Speaking with one of the hosts, Frank mentions how he is a Chelsea fan, reminiscing Brentford’s win against Chelsea at the business end of the season and answering how he feels whenever he gets to play against Chelsea.
“I don’t care. I don’t play for them, and I do everything to beat them.”
Popularly called “The Tank”, because of his energy and physical prowess on the pitch, Onyeka talked about how injuries affect footballers and how much time it takes to get back to being match-fit.
“It differs for every player. When they say you’ll be two months out, the two months doesn’t mean you’ll be starting games after every two months, it simply means you’ll be back in training after two months, and then you can slowly work your way back to being match fit.”
The 21-year-old spoke about how he handles pressure.
“The first time I ever played a football game, It felt surreal. Almost like an “is this me” moment. I felt unreal pressure. I’m human and there’s blood flowing through my veins. In a stadium with so many fans, sometimes I’d wish the ball should not be passed to me because of the fear of making mistakes, but as time goes on, I got used to it, even though I still feel it sometimes, not just as often.”
Frank Onyeka has taken pressure in his stride, pushing his injury woes behind him, he went on to make twenty-six appearances for The Bees, bagging two assists, and claiming points from the Premier League big boys.
