Íñigo López: "The only way is to be patient; victory will come soon"

He started his career with the Atlético Madrid reserves and, after spells at several clubs in the capital, in 2010 he signed for Granada CF. He left for Paok Salonica FC and returned to Spain to play in the colours of RC Celta, before settling at the Andalusian team. 'LFP.es, in-depth' spoke exclusively with Íñigo López Montaña (Logroño, 1982), who, at 32 years of age, is enjoying the challenge of playing for Córdoba CF on their return to the Liga BBVA after 42 years and fighting to keep their place in the division. 

LFP.es: How are you finding your first season in the Liga BBVA?
Íñigo López: We're in a difficult situation, because we haven't been able to get started. But patience is the key and to keep working hard.

LFP.es: You are one of the oldest players in the squad. Does that help at times like this?
Íñigo López: Yes, because I have been in similar situations. The blend of experience and youth gives us a good mix to keep fighting to get out of there and to make sure it is a good season at the end of the year.

"If we continue in this way and we have some luck, the wins will come"

LFP.es: What do you tell the youngest members of the squad?
Íñigo López: Right now what we need is a victory, more than telling them something. It is vital so that they see we are capable of winning matches.

LFP.es: What are you missing?
Íñigo López: We are getting better and playing better. If we continue in this way and we have some luck, the wins will come. I'm convinced.

LFP.es: How do you manage your nerves before a match knowing that you still haven't won?
Íñigo López: Before each match we've already forgotten the last one. We go out to compete, to try and win and we don't mull over the past. During the week we speak about not having won yet; that is a reality, but we have to remove ourselves from that and keep working hard so that it comes. I know it'll come soon.

LFP.es: Do you think UD Almería is an example of that, last year their first win came late and they managed to save themselves?
Íñigo López: We have to realise that, despite everything, things are very tight. The teams outside the relegation zone are not far off: they are just three or four points away, we mustn't worry too much. We have to be calm. There are a lot of examples in the history of the Liga BBVA where teams have saved themselves with a good second half to the season. We're going to try and finish the first half with victories, above all in the matches we have against direct rivals at home.

"The teams outside the relegation zone are not far off; we mustn't worry too much"

LFP.es: The next match is against Athletic Club, how are you approaching the game?
Íñigo López: Things change quickly in football, luckily, so our minds are focused on those new opportunities.

LFP.es: You are playing in a ground that, despite being new, is emblematic in the league. Does that motivate you?
Íñigo López: There is more than enough motivation for any player in the San Mamés. Everyone will be focused. It's a good touchstone to see if the improvement in our game is reflected in the result and on the pitch against a good team.

LFP.es: What are your thoughts on the side from Bilbao?
Íñigo López: They had a bad run, but that is incidental as they are a team that will be in the battle for the European positions. All clubs have bad spells and they have got out of their rut. We can too.

"In the San Mamés everyone will be focused; it will be a good touchstone"

LFP.es: On a personal level, this season, despite the new manager, you are still a regular starter. What does that mean for your confidence?
Íñigo López: Yes, I've played in everything, but the team is bigger than individuals. The main thing is that we get out of the danger zone. If I play, on a personal level, that's great, but the important thing is to be ready for when we are needed.

LFP.es: You've had experiences in foreign leagues, how is the Liga BBVA seen overseas?
Íñigo López: It is a top league. It is very powerful and everyone thinks very highly of it. The success of Spanish football has meant that it is valued more and has a lot of respect. When you are overseas you really miss seeing the games and coming back has been great.

LFP.es: You play in the same position as Miroslav Djukic, your coach. What do you remember about his game?
Íñigo López: He played his whole career in the Liga BBVA at RC Deportivo and Valencia CF. He was a powerful player, with enough skill to play the ball from the back. He teaches us a lot and we feed on his experience. The help of someone who has played in the UEFA Champions League finals helps us centre-backs, as he has always been up there and left a very big impression on La Liga.