Oli McBurnie and Scott McKenna struggle with Spanish while living in Las Palmas
- Oli McBurnie and Scott McKenna joined Las Palmas, leaving their previous clubs in England for a new opportunity in Spanish football.
- The players are adapting to a different playing style and language, which has enhanced their performance and teamwork.
- They both signed three-year contracts and are committed to staying with the club, indicating their investment in this new chapter of their careers.
Oli McBurnie and Scott McKenna, two Scotland international footballers, made the decision to join Las Palmas, a Spanish football club, after spending significant time in England. McBurnie highlighted how transitioning to this new league was a critical opportunity for him, as he had been in Sheffield for five years. Las Palmas impressed both players with their detailed presentation outlining their playing style, cultural aspects, and specific roles that the players would fill within the team structure. The club's research into their backgrounds made the players feel valued and encouraged their decision to move. As they settled into life in Spain, both players spoke about adapting their playing style to fit the demands of Las Palmas. They noted a shift towards counter-attacking football, a significant change from what they experienced in England. This tactical adaptation allowed them to contribute effectively to the team's success, which included a notable victory against Barcelona, marking an important milestone for the club as it was their first win at Barcelona's ground in 53 years. The language barrier was another interesting aspect of their new experience. Both McBurnie and McKenna have been working on their Spanish to communicate better with teammates and engage with the club environment. McBurnie remarked on the supportive atmosphere at Las Palmas, where the players help each other learn the language rather than judging their efforts. This camaraderie has made their transition to a new culture and football setting smoother. Looking ahead, both players expressed a strong commitment to their contracts, stating that they intend to stay with Las Palmas for the duration of their three-year agreements. Their enthusiasm for this new challenge in a different country, combined with the positive team environment, promises an exciting phase in their careers as they adapt and help Las Palmas achieve their goals in the competitive landscape of Spanish football.