Manu: "Lugo means everything to me"

José Manuel Rodríguez (Wädenswil, Switzerland, 1984) is the captain and one of the most loved players at CD Lugo: he will always be remembered for scoring the winning penalty that earned them promotion to Liga Adelante in 2012.

LFP.es: How's your eighth season at Lugo?
Manu: After such a long time, and with more illusion than in the past, each year you try to improve. It's an exciting campaign for Lugo, we’re doing things well and we have the ambition to do more.

LFP.es: What does Lugo mean to you?
Manu: It means everything, although at the start you don’t imagine yourself at a club for such a long time. From the first day until now the support has been incredible, the side is a family; it's as if it were my home.

"The most spectacular moment was scoring the penalty that earned promotion to Liga Adelante"

LFP.es: In the promotion to Liga Adelante in 2012, you scored the winning penalty. How do you remember this moment?
Manu: For me it was important but, above all, for those who were part of the team that year. It was the most special moment, above all for what it meant to the club. It was something formidable and the credit belongs to everyone in that squad.

LFP.es: You arrived at the club aged 23, how have you changed on both a professional and personal level since then?
Manu: Being at a club for so long gives you a lot of responsibility. Also, you improve a lot more, and as a footballer you grow a lot. From a base of strength and learning I improved year upon year.

LFP.es: Do you see yourself ending your career with Lugo?
Manu: Right now I don't know. I would like to, because I've been here a long time and I’ve always been treated well.

LFP.es: Would you like to stay in football?
Manu: Yes, I'd like to, it’s what I’ve always done and for this I'm doing my coaching badges.

"The playing style that Quique Setién has given us is not often seen in neither Liga BBVA nor Liga Adelante"

LFP.es: Initially with Quique Setién you weren’t a starter, but now you’re a fixture.
Manu: The first year was difficult, but I made a big effort, more and more, and it made me a better player; from these wounds you learn a lot. I responded and the boss is giving me a lot of confidence.

LFP.es: Your coach has also been there for a long time. What has been key to his continuity?
Manu: Above all, his personality, he is a very close person. From the first day his way of playing was warmly accepted by the players and fans. He could have gone but he identifies himself with the club, he wants to continue and make us better every day. His playing style is not often seen in neither Liga BBVA nor Liga Adelante; he follows his ideas until the end.

LFP.es: How is Quique Setién in the changing room?
Manu: Very close, he knows how football works, he was a player for a long time. He always helps us. He is always helping us.

LFP.es: What's the objective for Lugo this year?
Manu: Using the vogue phrase right now: we’re just going game by game. We will always try, and once we get to 50 points, that’s a relied. Once that's done then the players will go for more. 

"The Liga Adelante is a really even competition with some historic side; anyone can beat anyone"

LFP.es: This weekend you take on Sporting. How do you see the Asturian side this season?
Manu: They're a team that have yet to lose; it is a very young side but they're responding to what their manager wants. They're an intense and dynamic side, with quick players up top. They're in a good position in the league for a reason. They deserve a lot of credit.

LFP.es: Which Sporting player stand out?
Manu: I think Jony and Carmona are those who stand out above all. Although they're a group, that's the key to their success.