Interview with Samu Saiz, Girona player

The coexistence between the members of the group has always been one of Girona’s virtues.

— We have a very large block, many of us already know each other from previous seasons and the newcomers are extraordinary people. They are nice, pleasant, hardworking and come to join. It is essential to have added players who want this team to continue to grow. I’ve already made some of my own, because I’m always working – he smiles – but everything is going well.

Do you feel proud of how you compete now in the return to Primera?

– Absolutely. Without going any further, the other day we played a bit of a match in a field like that of Betis. We created a lot of danger for them, but that’s our style. And that I ended up with the sting of having given them the game. My teammates had played amazingly and I shouldn’t have made that mistake. This also teaches us that we cannot forgive so much, because the elite are paid.

Have you been around a lot?

— It may seem that I am a passota, but there are things that affect me. When you feel that you start rolling the work of the team because in an assist the ball touches your supporting foot… it’s angry, yes. And I tend to put more emphasis on mistakes than successes, honestly. In fact, the bad things are always seen more than the good. But hey, I have to forget it soon, be strong mentally and keep working because many wins will come.

Yes? Do you see it so clearly?

— I am not at all surprised by the level we offer. It is true that there have been games in which we have not prevailed as we would have liked, but we have never backed down and competed until the last moment. This gene is basic, because it has allowed us to score points in matches where we were not very successful and to keep adding up gives us confidence and strengthens our game proposal. We’re on track to do something cool not only to save the division, but also to achieve the club’s highest ever points tally in an elite season.

How do you analyze your presence in the lineup?

— I started the League as a starter, at Mestalla, but it didn’t go well and I lost security. Lately I’ve been feeling good again, quite at ease. I’m there because the coach asks me: if he wants me to play for half an hour, then half an hour; if he wants it to be headline, then headline. It’s difficult to get out of the swing, because you play in the middle of footballers who already have the rhythm. It is also true that my way of being allows me to come in and revolutionize things. I’d like to leave right away, of course, but I’m there to help and you can see that every time a substitute comes in, he does well. This is a sign of commitment.

How do you take stock of your time at the club?

— There have always been rumors and I can’t deny that there have been everything, good things and also bad. It has not been a path of roses by any means, but I am very satisfied. And from what the club and the fans tell me, in general they are also from me. Girona and the city will be an important part of my life. It’s a place where my family and I have been treated fantastically well. That’s why, whatever happens, it will have a place in my heart. Also, my kids are practically being raised here and that counts.

You’re out of contract at the end of the season – have you started talking about renewal?

— I only think about doing things right: first, for the team; and then, for my worth. So far we haven’t had a meeting or raised the issue. If I have to answer you, I wouldn’t mind staying at all, because I feel at home there. Especially if we stick to Primera – what more could you ask for?

Is the promotion one of your personal best moments?

— It was beautiful, I had never experienced one and I will remember that I was able to get it after two failed attempts, when few people bet for us. The club organized it in a very emotional way and allowed us to travel with our people, letting us experience it together. The weekend went well and it was impressive how we were received the next day.

You weren’t one of the chosen ones, but you won the final.

— I’ll tell you something: I didn’t train for almost two weeks because I got hurt against Eibar and I was forced to infiltrate to be able to play. The days before, Míchel called me to ask me if he saw me playing and I told him that whatever he decided would be fine. Finally, he opted for Iván Martín as a starter and was injured only to start. So it was my turn to enter. I have already told him that it was a pity for him, but I was delighted, I succeeded [riu].

You are a footballer who does not hide, who wants the ball in difficult moments.

— It goes with the personality… and sometimes there’s too much of it and all. I like to ask for the ball and try things when I have it. In the years when we didn’t get promotion, the label of favorite didn’t carry much weight. At least, I feel that way. I think it was more a matter of fate, because a lot happened to us, than of pressure to be forced to go up. In the end, at all times we have also played it head-on, with the danger that entails. And in each season we have had options to return to Primera: if we had done it earlier, everything would have changed. It was about details, because otherwise we would have been there two years ago.