DD sign Irureta to end defensive woes

To save their ship from sinking in Indian Super League, Delhi Dynamos roped in former La Liga goalkeeper Xabi Irureta as a desperate measure to replace injured Albino Gomes at the post. The club's director Rohan Sharma announced the shot-stoppers signing here on Thursday.

Delhi currently sits at the bottom of the table with just three points from seven games and are on a six-match losing streak since their solitary win against FC Pune City on their season opening game. They have conceded 18 goals in seven games as all the shot-stopper - including reserves in Sukhdev Patil and Arnab Das Sharma - failed to impress at the post.

The new arrival, who previously played for La Liga club Eibar — expressed his happiness on his new venture in Indian Super League and was poised to help the team improve.

"Well, I am very happy to come here and I am very happy to get a chance of playing in the ISL with Delhi Dynamos," said Irureta. "The most important part is to add to the team from my side and to help the team. I want to enjoy my stint in the ISL and give good performances this season."

After playing all his career in Spain, Irureta enunciated on his decision for opting to play in India.

"I've heard from a lot of Spanish players playing in India about the ISL and I can't wait to get going. People have had positive things to say about the league and the club and I am very excited. This will be a new experience for me after spending so much time in Spain," he said.

Coach Miguel Angel Portugal feels that Irureta is the perfect match for the club's football philosophy.

"Xabi brings a lot of experience and can help us to stabilize our way of playing. I'm sure he would fit in well in our scheme and in our game philosophy," the gaffer said.

But Portugal will have to wait till 15th January before he could use his new signing for Delhi's game as the ISL winter transfer window for players will officially open on the day. Irureta will be available for selection on 21st January against Jamshedpur FC.

Dynamos are expected to sign few more players before the transfer window closes on 31st January.