Interviews
VIE 14.11.2014
He arrived at Zaragoza with the season underway and in just a few matchdays he emerged as one of the team's key men in the midfield. Albert Dorca (b. Gerona, 1982) brings experience and passing to a team aiming for the top this season and preparing for their next fixture against Real Betis with determination.
LFP.es: What does the number 512 mean to you?
Albert Dorca: 512? I don't know. It's a number. What could it be?
LFP.es: It's the number of passes you've completed so far this season and you're the top passer in your team. After hearing this, do you feel like an important cog in the side?
Albert Dorca: It's to be expected being a central midfielder. Right now everything goes through Iñigo [Ruíz de Galarreta] and me because we're the ones playing and those who pass the most. I'm happy with how the season is going and all my team-mates as well. We've put together a good group and, though we’re a small squad, everyone feels important.
"Betis is one of the best clubs in the Liga Adelante, but I know we’re going to make life difficult for them"
LFP.es: There are many sides in the Liga Adelante that have a clear personality; how would you describe Zaragoza's style?
Albert Dorca: We're a team that gives it a hundred percent and we combine up front with very dynamic players who can create good chances at any moment. We know it; we know that if the ball reaches the forwards they can settle the match and we’re working to be solid in defence and to make sure they score as many goals as possible.
LFP.es: What is it like working alongside Borja Bastón, one of the strikers of the moment?
Albert Dorca: It's very easy. Both Borja and William José have a lot of quality; you pass the ball to them and they always do well. It's also fortunate to have team-mates who score in virtually every game. With players like that, the team has a lot of pedigree. We have to make the most of their good form.
LFP.es: You know better than anyone that the competition is very long and things can change from one day to another. What are you most afraid of?
Albert Dorca: Most of all, injuries. I hope everyone makes it through to the end of the season. Though we have a small squad, we've all shown that we’re capable of playing. So if we're lucky with injuries, we should reach the end in good shape physically and with the spark needed to give two hundred percent and do well when it comes to the crunch.
LFP.es: Last season you fell just short of promotion in the play-offs, you must be keen to make amends this year.
Albert Dorca: I'm still smarting from what happened at Real Murcia CF; we reached the final in good form but, in the end, the play-offs are a lottery. I see this year as a second attempt: we'll try to be there and playing for promotion would be incredible, but we're not thinking in the long term; first we’ll focus on Betis and we'll gradually build.
LFP.es: How are you approaching the match?
Albert Dorca: This fixture has been seen more in the Liga BBVA than in the Adelante, so I think we'll see a clash of titans on Sunday. The atmosphere and the media will make sure of it. We'll have to give everything because Betis are one of the best teams in the division.
"Everything that surrounds Zaragoza is impressive. It feels like a Liga BBVA club"
LFP.es: You will also be reunited with your former manager Julio Velázquez.
Albert Dorca: I was with him last season and he'll give a hundred percent to win this game. It will be extremely difficult to win, but at home, with the support of the crowd, and our preparation, we can do it. I know we’ll make like life very difficult for them.
LFP.es: What has surprised you most since you arrived at the club?
Albert Dorca: The first day I played at La Romareda it was against CA Osasuna. The buzz surrounding the team is spectacular, the media, everything around you, what you do every day. It all makes you feel like you’re in a Liga BBVA team and, though we’re currently in the Liga Adelante, Zaragoza belong at the top.
© LALIGA - 2014