It’s been a few days since Sabadell reached a historic milestone: returning to the Second Division A, a tournament in which it has not competed since the 2014-15 season. With a play-off atypical after the pandemic , the harlequins have gone from hell to heaven in less than a season. Antonio Hidalgo, already an emblem of the Vallès team, talks about the milestone, the season and how they approach next season.
How was the celebration?
We have achieved a very important milestone that at the beginning of the season I think no one could expect. It has been a very big celebration. We held a celebration cautiously for the situation, but we thoroughly enjoyed it in the countryside and then went out to dinner together.
Have you noticed the euphoria of the city and the fans even on social media?
It’s incredible! I at first thought that without an audience and without everything surrounding a football match it would be less intense, but the truth is that it has been very intense. They have been there for 12 days living it in a very special way. Through social media we have felt the affection of the fans.
What do you think of the images seen after the ascent?
I guess there will be exceptions as well. I haven’t seen all the pictures, but I’ve seen a lot of people wearing masks and keeping their distance. What is clear is that we must all be very careful in these situations: we must be aware that we have had a very bad time and that we must continue to maintain all these measures.
How did you experience the match from the bench?
It is lived with great intensity. It was clear that we were playing a good match, that we were interpreting very well the match plan we had in mind. What happens is that we came across Monchu’s goal, but we continued in the second half believing in the same plan as the first half. It went well and we were able to turn the score around. While it is true that in the last few minutes we suffered a bit.
In both games of the ‘play-off’ you had to reach the penalties. Were you afraid that this would negatively affect the players in the face of the last game?
We did a very, very good job during the confinement and after the confinement. But if I have to be honest with you, we had some doubts about how they would get to the final match. I think the head pushed them a lot. We also did a great mental job during that time and I think that mix was very important.
You took the team last season in a very delicate situation in which you managed not to go down to the field of Olot in the last day. Could we say that you have lived heaven and hell with this team?
Yes! The situation last season when we arrived was not at all easy. We managed to overcome the situation thanks to some very involved players, who have all the merit of what they did last year and what they have done this year. This year we had more time, we were able to plan, which is one of the most important things in the world of football.
I guess maybe it wasn’t the easiest rival for you, as you were part of Barça B in your player stage. Was it a little bittersweet to see you face Barça?
I have a lot of affection for Barça, especially Barça B, as they trained me as a person and as a footballer. But in those moments you are a professional, you know you are playing a lot and you hardly think about the opponent you have in front of you.
Do you think that in your way of playing and now training there is what they call Barça DNA?
Totally. She is influenced by everything I lived at Can Barça, what I lived especially with Joan Vilá. These are things that mark you as a person and as a footballer. Then each coach has their nuances, but it’s clear that it was a very big influence on me.
During your career as a player you experienced two promotions: one with Malaga and one with Tenerife. How do you experience a different ascent from the bench and from the grass?
As a player he is more individual. As a coach you feel much fuller, because it was you who put the idea, you talked a lot with the players, with the great communion we have. They have understood that there were players who did not play as much but who were also very important. It’s a feeling of fullness.
What is the purpose of d e face to the season you see?
Our goal next year is to maintain the category. Second is a very difficult and very even category, very long. You have to keep a cool head at all times.
What message do you want to convey to the harlequin fans?
We must enjoy the moment. We’ve had some really tough times over the last few years and we have to enjoy it. Fans need to be clear that we will be back strong and that we will compete very well next year.
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