Asier Santana is already at the controls of the Portugalete. The one from Idiazabal received the first calls last week to replace Ezequiel Loza in office and reverse the situation. This Tuesday he signed for the vase box excited to soak up the feeling that the club transmits to him. “I have always been envious of that feeling of competitiveness that the team transmits. I wanted to feel that pride in the colors that Portugalete has »he points out. The coach wants to build a “brave” team that mostly attends the matches in the opponent’s area. The new coach has full confidence in taking the situation forward and maintaining the category. «I believe a lot in this team and in the players», he asserts.
How did your incorporation come about?
Last week I received the first call from Iñaki Zurimendi. They wanted to reverse the dynamics of results and as soon as we met there was not much to think about. I showed them what my idea was, how I am and how I like to train, although Zurimendi has already known me for a long time, and it was easy to reach a common point.
Why have you decided to get involved in this project?
Whenever I have seen ‘Portu’ they have seemed like a very proud team. I have always been envious of that feeling of competitiveness transmitted by both the fans, the players and the club in general. I wanted to feel that sensation, that pride in the colors that Portugalete has. Also, all the conversations I have had these days have shown me that it is a serious and ambitious club.
Ezequiel Loza is a very loved coach in Portugalete. Does replacing him imply extra pressure?
No. I don’t feel like replacing Ezequiel puts too much pressure on me. I put the pressure on myself to win every weekend. I push myself to the max, just like the players will.
Why are your teams characterized and how would you like this Portugalete to play?
The first thing is that the players understand the idea that the coach has in mind. I like brave teams, who interpret game situations well and control all aspects that football demands of you. I understand soccer as a complete game and the team must be rich in both proposal and response. Of course, we will always try to be far from our goal.
Do you have a preferred system that is immovable or adapts based on the template?
I don’t believe in systems much. There is constant movement and what leads you to victory is the development of the game and the match. The system will depend on the rival, the players we have available, the capabilities of each player and the strategy of the match.
“We must squeeze the males and move this forward”
The objective is to maintain the category. Are you confident of achieving it?
Without a doubt. We will do our best to achieve this goal and if I am here it is because I think it is achievable. We will have to demand a lot of ourselves because we are at a time in the competition in which we all play a lot. We must squeeze the males and move this forward. I believe a lot in this team and in the players.
What aspects should Portugalete improve to get out of the relegation places?
Portugalete is a very competitive team, which tries to be very aggressive and courageous. We must take a step forward and feel that we can spend more time in the rival area. The nuances that we will be adding I think will benefit the team and that is where the triumphs will come.
Are they open to possible movements in the absence of ten days for the market to conclude?
There could be and surely Zurimendi is working on it. I have come to get this out with the players who are here now and that is my responsibility.
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