Interviews
VIE 13.02.2015
An RCD Espanyol academy graduate and friend of blanquiazules coach Sergio González who grew up as a player close to Dani Jarque, Sergio Sánchez (Mataró, 1986) found time between training sessions to talk to LFP.es ahead of a date circled in red on his calendar. Although muscle problems mean he doesn't yet know if he’ll be able to play, the guardian of the Málaga CF defence can’t wait for kick-off time to come around.
LFP.es: What does this match mean for you?
Sergio Sánchez: Espanyol and Málaga are the two main teams in my career. In Barcelona they watched me grow, they gave me my debut in the Liga BBVA and they taught me everything I know. I have great memories, but in Málaga I also feel right at home; it’s my second home. There's no doubt that it's going to be an exciting match because of all that it means for me.
LFP.es: And both teams have made a big step-up in quality between last season and this one.
Sergio Sánchez: Maybe the squads were stronger in other years, but the desire to work hard shown by the coaches and the players has led to this good form. We have beaten clubs that were stronger than us on paper, but Espanyol also come into the match in really good shape. It'll be a great game and I’d like to be involved, above all because of who the opponents are.
"I grew up as a player with Dani Jarque. I think of him in every match, not just when I play against Espanyol"
LFP.es: Speaking of the coaches, you played alongside Sergio González. What’s it like now seeing him in the dugout?
Sergio Sánchez: We weren't just team-mates, we're also really good friends. And if there's one thing I can say about him it's that his success is no fluke. The start to the season wasn't easy, because things don't always turn out how you want, but he always had confidence in his team and his players. He works really hard and it’s showing.
LFP.es: You were also very close to Dani Jarque, so this match will be all the more emotional for you.
Sergio Sánchez: I grew up as a player looking up to him, for me he was a reference point both as a person and as a footballer, and he’s always in my thoughts. I never forget him. Although it’s clear that this is a special match, I don’t only think of Dani at times like this. I think of him in every match.
LFP.es: Despite recent 'slip-ups' against Sevilla FC (2-0), Athletic Club (1-1) and Levante UD (4-1), how does the team look to you? And, more importantly, what is the objective?
Sergio Sánchez: The objective has always been to achieve survival as comfortably as possible, but we have a young and ambitious squad in which anything's possible.
LFP.es: Does that mean you have European aspirations?
Sergio Sánchez: We know that getting into the European places is a real objective given the shape the team is in, but it's something that isn't at the front of our thoughts. The main thing is to take it step by step and settle in a good area in the table.
"Returning to my natural position has brought me confidence and calm"
LFP.es: What does Javi Gracia bring to the players to have you firing on all cylinders as you are?
Sergio Sánchez: Enthusiasm, hard work and perseverance. That's what's most important. He leads us every day with hard work and professionalism. And the younger players in the squad help the rest of us a lot because they work with ambition and a lot of desire. We want to give the city something to shout about again and the coach doesn't want this to be any old season. He wants to make a mark.
LFP.es: And this year you're proving a crucial player for the team, and are enjoying your best season in terms of appearances.
Sergio Sánchez: Returning to my natural position has brought me confidence and calm. I'm very happy with my work. The team has also picked up good results and, at the end of the day, what’s important is to carry on in this vein to help the group.
© LALIGA - 2015