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Martín Peláez, new president of Oviedo: “Whoever arrives and doesn’t think about the promotion that doesn’t come”

Martín Peláez (Pachuca, 1972) says that it only took him ten seconds to answer Jesús Martínez’s question. The question was not any. “Do you want to be the president of Oviedo?” And Peláez already is. The Mexican is about to change everything after spending half his life in Pachuca. He will be the man with the most power in Oviedo, only behind Jesús Martínez, owner of Oviedo and owner of Grupo Pachuca. Peláez sits with LA NUEVA ESPAÑA in the Aztec city a few days before boarding a plane to Asturias. He says that he is already starting to pack his suitcase.

–What is your story?

-I’m from Pachuca, always. My grandfather was Asturian and emigrated to Mexico. He was dedicated to selling sugar, then he also sold soft drinks and beer. On my mother’s side they were also “soft drinks”. I have worked all my life with my family and I joined Grupo Pachuca in 1996.

-How do I come in?

-First as a sponsor of the club and then I had different positions. I took the restaurants and the museums. At first I was more in the commercial area. Later I got involved in sports and now I have been vice president of Pachuca for a year and a half, focused 100% on sports.

How was that change?

-Jesús Martínez decided to take over the presidency of the entire group and left Armando, his brother, as president, putting me as vice president. The change was profound, but after so many years at the club he had a lot of experience. It was a wonderful year and a half: we reached two finals. In the first team, out of 25 players, 16 are trained in the quarry. That is the essence of Pachuca: the quarry. It was a great year and a half at Armando’s side.

–When did you find out that you are going to be the president of Oviedo?

-It was very nice. Pachuca’s entry into Oviedo has been going on for a long time. Sometimes with more intensity, others with less, but for a long time. I knew that Pachuca was close to Oviedo, but I never thought that I would be the president. When the purchase is closed, Armando Martínez, Jesús’ brother, calls me and tells me: “Compadre, I think the Oviedo thing is already closed. Hopefully Jesús doesn’t take many Pachuca players from us.” He told me jokingly. I told him: “I hope he doesn’t take anyone away from us.” That was at ten in the morning. At four in the afternoon Jesús, Armando and I sat down. Jesús told us that he had closed the Oviedo deal and Armando asked him who he had thought of for the presidency of the club. Jesús said: “I haven’t slept for several days, but I have it clear. If I were selfish, I wouldn’t have to make this move, because this bastard (Martín Peláez) leaves me a big hole in Pachuca, but if I’m fair he deserves it.”

“What else did he tell you?”

–He told me: “My fat man, the presidency of Oviedo is yours if you want it, think about it.”

– How long did it take you to think about it?

-Ten seconds. I told him: “Jesus, I have nothing to think about, I’m going to Oviedo.” He gave me a hug and said, “Welcome, President.”

–A radical change of life in ten seconds.

-At that moment I felt emotion, then I started thinking about everything it means. I did not regret anything: on the contrary. I see positive things in Oviedo. There are things that hurt, like leaving my parents and friends. It is my whole life. But Oviedo is a huge project, a wonderful city and a team with tradition. These opportunities touch you once in a lifetime. And then my Asturian family also weighs in, although when I answered I didn’t think about that. A hundred years ago my grandfather left Oviedo, now I am here.

-Who was the first person you told that you were the new president of Oviedo?

–After the meeting with Jesus we went to a game. My two daughters were there and I told them at the break that I was going to be president of Oviedo. They told me I was hesitating. I told them that it was true, that they should not say anything and that we would talk. At home I told everyone and they received it very well. Telling my parents was difficult. They are happy, but sad. We have never parted ways, although they are already making plans to go to Oviedo.

Martín Peláez, new president of Real Oviedo, inside the Hidalgo Stadium, where Pachuca plays. | Xuan Fernandez


How were your first days as president?

-I started to meet people via video call to get involved in the club. I had to know who the people were because I talked to one and the other and I didn’t really know who was the boss of one or the other. Sometimes I asked someone that I shouldn’t (laughs). All the people at Real Oviedo have received me very well. I’m still in the transition of letting go of Pachuca and understanding Oviedo. Also solving personal problems: the suitcase, my card, where I’m going to live… I tell my wife that I carry a knot of joy, nostalgia and stress. I have eight days left in Mexico and I’m already thinking about where I’m going to wash my clothes in Oviedo. I am very happy and grateful with life.

-With whom did you speak most about Oviedo in recent days?

–I talk a lot with David Mata, with Bolo, with Tito, something with Federico… They have been the ones who have guided me.

–He comes with Bernardo Entrialgo, who is a scout

-He is a young person, with a sports profile and a scout. José Ramón Fernández, who is vice president of media, will also accompany us, although he will not be in Oviedo, but he will help us. We do not want to come and kick anyone out, we will give everyone the opportunity to show themselves and if they are capable we will go forward.

– How about the advice?

-They have to be my advisers and they will be a great support.

–Is your ignorance of Oviedo a problem or an opportunity?

-There are always nerves when you arrive at a place you don’t know, but it also serves to avoid getting contaminated. I am going to implement the Pachuca method and we need positive synergies. When you spend a lot of time in a place we can get used to it for the worse, but when you come from abroad with new ideas you see everything differently. Renewed or die.

-How are decisions going to be made in Oviedo?

-The Pachuca Group has a board and some shareholders. The most important decisions are consulted and those of the day to day will be made by me with my work team.

– Is the promotion objective sports?

-Whoever arrives at Oviedo and doesn’t think about promotion, shouldn’t come. It is logical. We all look for that and it is the goal. But promise when… I wish it were tomorrow, but there are 21 more teams fighting for the same thing. We promise work and passion.

What kind of president will he be?

–I am a person who listens, I really like being very human and delegating. I am convinced that one cannot be a todologo. And less when you arrive at such a large institution. The people you surround yourself with are what make you or don’t make you. I will be open, participatory and human.

– Was your first administration that of Marcelo Flores?

-I am proud and happy, but Marcelo was also important. But it’s not just Marcelo: renewal of Borja, signing of Enrich, arrival of Aceves… Aceves is a great player and signing him is a message for the Pachuca academy. I spoke with him before his trip and he was very excited. Alonso Aceves will surprise you.

What surprised you about the club?

– The hobby. I knew she was passionate, but every time I see more things, she excites me more. That is palpable. I am very excited to be in Oviedo, there are only a few days left. I want to leave now because I want to start working on site. I want to get to know the stadium, the facilities, the staff… Our group is very day-to-day, we are a family and closeness to the players and employees is essential for us.

– Do you have your suitcase ready?

–Today (yesterday) I will start doing it. I plan what I’m going to take, and I hope to do as few as possible, but my clothes are big.

–How will relations be with Sporting, which belongs to the Orlegi group?

–Cordially. There is a sporting rivalry, but in the end we have to recognize that Orlegi and Pachuca are two great groups that do things well in Mexico and will do well in Asturias. The region will grow in sports, but the rivalry will always be on the field.

–Have you spoken with Alejandro Irarragorri?

-Not yet, but it will touch us. Of course, on December 18 you have to win the derby.

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