Gavin Bazunu: ‘I wouldn’t have come to Manchester City unless I thought I could be the number 1 goalkeeper’

Another loan spell is on the horizon for Gavin Bazunu but the focus for the teenage goalkeeper is very much the number one jersey at Manchester City.

“That is 100% my aim,” said Bazunu about becoming City ‘keeper when he spoke with the football media on Zoom over the weekend. 

“I wouldn’t have come to Manchester City unless I thought I could be the number one goalkeeper and I work towards that every day. That is the goal.”

The 19-year-old goalkeeper spent the last season on loan at Rochdale. “For me I feel it was a hugely successful year,” said Bazunu when asked by extratime.com to reflect on the season where he made over 30 first team appearances for the Dale and made his international debut earning three international caps.

“I got a lot of game time and a lot of experience. That was the whole plan for the loan. It was a really difficult season [with Rochdale relegated] but it couldn’t have been a better loan for myself. I got loads of exposure to first team football and that was what got me into this [Ireland] squad. I’m thankful for that.”

The aim during the year was to be able to train some of the time with Manchester City but COVID-19 restrictions prevented that but he still kept in close contact with City during his time playing in League One.

“I speak to Xabi [Mancisidor] who is the goalkeeper coach [at Man City] once or twice a week and we go over clips from the previous matches. He gives me an insight into what I can improve on. 

“My plan is that I’d like to go out on loan [again next season]. I’ve spoken to Xabi and he is on the same page. We are just getting the ball rolling on that. That will be planned over the next couple of weeks.”

On his Ireland debut in the behind-closed-doors game against Luxembourg last March, it was really clear how vocal a goalkeeper Bazunu is and that he wasn’t afraid to tell his teammates in front of him what he wanted. 

He puts that down to the experience gained being around and in the first team at Shamrock Rovers at such a young age – handed a League of Ireland debut and playing in the Europa League qualifiers as a 16-year-old.  

“I’ve been training with a first team level from such a young age. I was in training with the  Shamrock Rovers first team when I was 14 and through to when I was 16. Being around a men’s first team dressingroom from the period gave me the confidence to just be understanding of how to speak to your teammates and what is needed from a goalkeeper.

“I understand what the experienced players want in their goalkeeper. Whether you are young or old, they just want to know that there is someone behind them who has the confidence to tell them where and when to be.

“I was nervous before the first game [for Ireland] but I didn’t feel any pressure. As soon as the whistle went, it was like any other game. I felt comfortable and I made sure to stick to my little keys like be loud, be brave, communicate and once I have those things, it feels like any other game.

“I’ve loved every moment. With every cap I’m getting I’m growing in confidence. I feel comfortable. I’ve been happy with the performances and it was great to get a win [against Andorra].”

Bazunu remains close to his former club and just prior to this recent Ireland camp, he spent some time with Shamrock Rovers and travelled with the team to Oriel Park for Rovers’ game against Dundalk last month.

“I struggled a lot with being away and wasn’t able to get home throughout the season but I managed to watch all the [Shamrock Rovers] games on WatchLOI. I was delighted to come back and see all the lads and the manager. They are still the team that I support and so I enjoy being around them.”

James McCarthy among ten Irish players released by Premier League clubs https://t.co/CxhG28Nf2zpic.twitter.com/0uTvuIRXSZ

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) June 6, 2021