PETALING JAYA: Argentine striker Gonzalo Di Renzo may have made a fine start with Sabah but he says the Super League’s stop-start fixture list takes some getting used to.
The 30-year-old, who is playing outside Argentina and Spain for the first time, said the lack of rhythm caused by FIFA international breaks and other calendar interruptions required much adjustment.
“The Malaysian league is different from the leagues I’ve played in before, so I’m still adapting. One of the challenges has been the lack of consistency in our match schedule due to FIFA breaks and other calendar interruptions,” said Di Renzo, who joined the Rhinos from Spanish club CF Talavera de Reina.
“It’s not the same playing four or five matches in a row as playing one match every 20 days, which is what has been happening.
“However, that’s part of the schedule, and we have to adapt as best we can.”
Despite that, Di Renzo, who previously played for Argentine top-flight sides Lanus and Estudiantes, has made a bright start with three goals in five league matches.
“I’m happy to have scored three goals so far because as a striker, that’s what I’ll be valued for. However, I know I can still improve and give much more.’’
He said the time felt right for him to play in a new continent and country after several years in Argentina and Spain.
“After several years playing in Spain and Argentina, I felt it was the right moment to take on a new challenge, step out of my comfort zone and experience something different, both in football and in my personal life.
“Sabah’s offer was a great opportunity to continue developing as a player, discover a new culture and compete in a new league.’’
Sabah, who are fifth in the league with seven points, will look to move further up the table when they host Terengganu at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday.
