Gabriela Murguía is the general director of the Pachuca Group and the rector of the University of Soccer that has the Aztec business conglomerate, which is the owner of Oviedo. Murguía is a key element in the organization chart and probably the person who knows Jesús Martínez best: she is his wife. Murguía receives LA NUEVA ESPAÑA and breaks down the keys to the social section of Grupo Pachuca.
–How did you meet Jesús Martínez?
-I was born in Mexico City and studied Psychology. Jesus was studying with my brother at the University and we met very young. We got married at 24 years old. Then this Pachuca project came up and he asked me to participate by doing social work.
What was found when you arrived?
-When I arrived here there was nothing, no offices. So there was talk of the concept of the University of Soccer and my role was to promote it. At first I came and went from Mexico City every day, but ten years ago we settled here in Pachuca.
2The model can be replicated in Oviedo; the one who arrives knows how everything works and what he has to do, you just have to adapt to the circumstances “
How were the first steps of the University?
–We had to work with specialists in the area of sports, making agreements with other universities. At that time the state government made an agreement. We created a business model, which Jesus did, and then we did the educational one, which is the one carried out at the University of Soccer.
–Is it exportable?
–It can be replicated elsewhere, such as now in Oviedo. We are doing it now in León. Here the one who arrives knows how everything works and knows what he has to do, he just has to adapt to the circumstances.
What is it like working with your husband?
-Sometimes it becomes hard, especially when there is a lot of pressure. We see different aspects. He sees the business and I see the social aspect. We make a good combo, each one contributes in his own way. Sometimes there are difficult moments, but it is normal. We have been growing and assembled a team. In Pachuca we are all connected. We train human beings, not just players.
-Your son is president of the Lion.
Jesus has always opted for the family, always. For us it is very important. My daughter Gabi is in charge of selling Pachuca’s sportswear and design. Paulina, my other daughter, is in the food business. The family is involved.
-What is Jesus father like?
–He is very intelligent, has a great vision of the business and realizes things. He anticipates situations that others do not see. When he is very clear about what he wants… he always wanted to be a successful businessman and he succeeded. He surrounds himself with smart people.
–What is it like to make your way into the football industry as a woman?
-Now women’s football worldwide generates a lot of interest. As far as I am concerned, I am here more as a manager. I get more involved in that kind of stuff. But there was a time when I had to make my way, especially with the launch of the University. At first they told us: “What does the University have to do with football? What does it matter if a child who is going to be a crack doesn’t pass math?” I told them that how could it not matter. At first the concept of the University was frowned upon, it was not understood among the people and in the club itself. They told us: “Don’t come with stories, if this boy plays the ball well, that’s it”. That is already over
“I found out about the purchase because Jesús sent me a wasap: ‘I have some bomb news’; we really want to go”
– How does the hospital work?
-It’s a university hospital. There is rehabilitation, sports medicine, nutrition… There is also an orthopedic area, especially to treat injuries. The center is open to the public and surgeries are also performed. The hospital has been growing, a lot of people come to it, in addition to the footballers.
-Has the University progressed a lot?
We are at a key point. This University has already been recognized and accredited as any first level center. It has been growing a lot and maturing. We are different, because we are focused on sport.
– Are you proud of what you have achieved?
-Much. We met all the objectives, although we still have to grow. Now we can do it in Oviedo, with the University there. Let’s see how we can connect, because it is a great opportunity.
–The University of Oviedo welcomed your collaboration proposal.
-The response of the rector that I saw in LA NUEVA ESPAÑA seemed very good to me. I felt glad that they will receive us. That helps a lot, because it doesn’t always happen and sometimes you have to break stones. Being able to talk with them, with the Mayor… It’s important. Through Oviedo we can help a lot.
-How did you find out about the purchase of Oviedo?
-Jesus sent me a wasap: “I have some bomb news.” He didn’t say anything to me until I got home. My son just told me: “Mom, you will be able to travel to Spain.” Then we talk in person. Entering Oviedo was an illusion of his. At first I didn’t believe it and then I felt illusion and pleasure.
-What do you expect from Oviedo?
-I have never been, but I have investigated and the city is very beautiful. We really want to go. Also, I want to do the Camino de Santiago.
