“We are the team most injured by VAR”

—Review of these first 15 days of the League?

—I think the results are rather positive for the team. We won some home games when things seemed to be getting tough and we also lost others that we didn’t expect, due to the dynamic with which we or our rival arrived. But it reflects what this League is like: all the teams compete and you always have to be 100%. Generally speaking, we are in the positions we want to be in to experience the season peacefully.

—He arrived with the mission to score a goal. What are your predictions for this season in terms of performance and contribution?

— Obviously, I like to contribute with goals, with work and with assists. I wouldn’t say that the results are totally positive, because I always want to score more, but it’s good. I have four goals and two assists. I would like to exceed the figure of ten goals; We’re almost halfway through the season and we haven’t finished the first round yet. I want to continue contributing, just like Lucas and Mariano. When we score, thanks to our good defensive work, we are much closer to victory.

— Do you feel that you have the trust of the coach and your teammates?

-Yes of course. From day one. With “Chacho”, this is demonstrated every day: we win and we also talk about things. It makes me a better player. This year I’m experimenting with a new position within what looks like a 4-4-2, playing lower down and between the lines. It helps me grow. Plus, I have a lot more minutes than last year and I’m very happy.

— How does competition fare upstream? What does each bring?

— Competition is always good. Lucas does a spectacular job and is the one who spends the most minutes with me. Mariano had a more secondary role in this first part of the season, but he showed his level when he had opportunities, especially in the Cup. The three of us complement each other well. I’ve had to play with both and I believe healthy competition makes us all better.

—What are the team’s goals this season?

— We have to be realistic: the first objective is to maintain the category and continue in the First Division. It’s a very difficult league. But it would also be hypocritical not to say that we want more. If we achieve this goal soon, it will be a good sign and we can afford to dream and compete for everything that is possible.

—Mendizorroza has always been special to many players. What’s in it for you?

—When I arrived, everyone told me: “You’ll see. » And it’s true. I made my away debut, against Real, and I had already noticed the atmosphere with the displaced supporters. But when I played my first match at Mendizorroza, I understood what they were saying. There are 20,000 of them, but it doesn’t seem like it: they have a special magic. People have a very deep feeling towards the club. They know what it is to suffer and enjoy, and they understand that they must be together. Even in bad times, the stadium is full and the atmosphere is the same. This explains why we scored so many points at home: 14 out of 18.

— This Sunday, they host Real Madrid. What expectations do you have and how do you prepare for a match like this?

—We know who’s coming: one of the best clubs in the world, with players who can decide a match at any time. They also arrive with injuries and at a less positive moment, but that doesn’t change anything: it’s Real Madrid. We prepare the game to play our game and try to win. We go there with the intention of achieving this 100%.

—With Real Madrid’s defensive defeats, does the way you approach the game change anything?

— No, the mentality is the same. We prepare all matches the same way, regardless of the opponent. The coach then decides on tactical adjustments based on each team’s play. We adapt to what ‘Chacho’ asks of us. We want to add three points, like we did against Real. We know it will be very competitive, but here at home these are games that the fans and players love.

—VAR is at the center of the debate. How do you experience it on the ground?

— That’s a good question. The League sends us referees every season to explain to us how it will work. If I’m not mistaken, we are the most harmed team in La Liga by the VAR and by the solutions that are then given in the CTA. VAR is a very positive tool and has changed football, but I think it can still evolve. If it exists to correct an error, let it be corrected. There are interpretable pieces, of course, but you have to find a balance so that it is as fair as possible and does not favor or harm anyone. On a personal level, I believe that proper use is necessary.

— He played in several leagues. What differences do you see between the Spanish and the Portuguese?

—The main difference lies in the media level. The League is, for me, the first or second most important league in the world. Portugal is a championship that I really like, I played in Famalicão and Porto, but when we talk about LaLiga, we talk big words. Here are some of the best teams and players in the world and every match is a final. The competitiveness is much greater.

—What does the coach ask you when you go on the field?

—Commitment and work are non-negotiable with him. This creates a very positive identity. After a year together, the team understands each other better. I think it makes players who are determined to learn better because they live football with a lot of passion and identify a lot with the club.

—Do you think you have room for improvement as a player? A detail that you particularly want to refine?

— Of course, we all have it. I want to contribute more directly to goals and assists, continue to understand the game and reach my best level. From humility and work, there is always room to grow. The striker lives on goal. I always want to improve everything that contributes to bringing me closer to victory.

—How was your adaptation to Vitoria?

-Alright. They made us feel very welcome from the first day. Having that stability off the field helps a lot with performing on the field. My wife and two children are delighted and it gives me great peace of mind.

—What motivates you every day to train and compete?

-My family. That they accompany me wherever I go, seeing my children enjoying football… It pushes me to be an example of perseverance, work and sacrifice. This is my daily motivation.

—Childhood idol?

—Since I was little, Fernando Torres. He was my reference on and off the field. Now I have the chance to know him and to have spoken with him when I played in the Youth League. It was a dream come true.

—What message would you like to send to Alavés fans?

— Let them continue as always. We don’t need to say much to them, because they give everything and we feel it every week. Be with us, together we will do great things. I hope it will be a dream year, because we have a spectacular group.