“They called me on Monday to play Manomanista and I didn’t believe it”

Iraitz Zubizarreta is still in a cloud at 21 years old. Tomorrow he makes his debut in the First Manomanista after a professional background of only eight games – he made the jump on September 26 – and returns to the Auzoeta fronton, his home, to face the Riojan Darío, promotion champion. The prize for the winner is to face the defending champion, Iker Irribarria, in the next round.

– In a month and a half everything has come to him at once …

– I am happy and excited at the same time. I did not expect everything to be so fast, there have been many emotions together, but the important thing is that a Manomanista match awaits me.

– When do they tell you that you are going to play heads up?

– On Monday, the eve of the presentation. I did not believe it. I thought I was going to play the Promotion, but Artola tested positive and was injured. Peña was also doubtful. There was the possibility that some of us would enter and it was my turn. I appreciate it to the company. If before debuting they tell me that I am going to play the Manomanista de Primera I would think I was crazy.

– But he had to wait to see the dream of any amateur baseball player come true …

– It was going to debut on May 9, but it was delayed almost five months due to the coronavirus. Since I debuted everything has gone very fast. I have played a couple of times against Oinatz, also against Aimar, Elezkano II and Urrutikoetxea. Something unthinkable for a newcomer like me.

– What conclusions have you drawn by measuring yourself with the figures?

– Change everything. The equipment is new, it is played very fast and the opponents are very well prepared, mentally, physically and technically. Two months ago I watched them play on television. Little by little I am getting used to it. The first days you saw Aimar and he gave you a lot of respect. He is the idol of many people and he is there next door. And that I am Irujista. They are normal people and sharing a wardrobe with them is a pride for me.

– What is costing you the most?

– This is a process that takes time. I am young, I just debuted and I have to improve a lot, especially in the physical and technical aspect.

– What is your style of play?

– I’m aggressive, I like to take risks. I’ve never been a force ball. My style is more similar to Bengoetxea’s. I prefer to play against that type of ball than against others with more power. You have to be brave because if you wrinkle, they eat you. That is my way of understanding the ball. Nobody here forgives anything.

– What do you know about Darío? Have they ever been rivals?

– Never. He is three years older than me. He is champion of Second and in the previous one against Peio Etxeberria he played a lot. He gave the ball a lot of speed. It has the fundamentals for doing something great hand in hand. A very difficult opponent awaits me.

– What is your opinion regarding the novelty introduced in the serve in this edition?

– It will be necessary to see it during the party. It’s just a square and a half and I think it’s more mental. We will see how it affects the matches later.

– One of his assets is that he plays at home, in the Auzoeta.

– I love playing in the town, it is one more point of motivation. There are those who are under a lot of pressure. To me, on the contrary.