Caparrós: "Those of us who like our profession never rest"

Intensity, intensity and intensity; three maxims that come together to feed one unique ingredient: confidence. The recipe can be found in the words of Joaquín Caparrós (Utrera, Sevilla, 13/10/1955), Granada CF's manager and the architect of the excitement of the club's fans in the 2014-15 season. He is a notoriously hard-worker who know how to get the best out of his teams.

LFP.es: This is your first year as the manager of Granada, how are you adapting to it?
Caparrós: As with all teams: with the utmost enthusiasm, as with every time we take on a new challenge. Now we are adapting well to the city and the idiosyncrasies of the club. We’re happy. We've started well, and although we are going through a tricky patch now, we continue to work for consistency. We have a good group and that is what makes us optimistic.

"We have a good group and that is what makes us optimistic" 

LFP.es: What has to change for you to start winning in the Nuevo Los Cármenes?
Caparrós: We have to have more confidence. Teams come and sit back and we have to be more patient and know how to manage different situations. It’s easier said than done, and that is why we train. It’s our obsession, for people to gain confidence for these kinds of situations.

LFP.es: Without a doubt, if there is one thing that defines a Caparrós team it’s intensity. How do you impart this philosophy on your players?
Caparrós: That's why we have a preseason, where players get to know the coaches and vice versa. Football requires a lot of intensity and that's why you have to practise it. You can't go into a match and ask for something you haven’t practised. When a coach comes to a team, it isn’t easy to impart all these things, so that's what we're working on.

LFP.es: Things have only just got started and you still have room for improvement. What aspects do you think need changing?
Caparrós: Confidence, above all. We have to communicate more on the pitch. We are a demanding group when it comes to training, we are a very diverse team and we need to talk more, which is fundamental at certain moments, it has cost us points. That's what we are driving home; let's see if we can do it.

"Football requires a lot of intensity and that's why you have to practise it. You can’t go into a match and ask for something you haven’t practised"


LFP.es: Piti was one of the players who was destined to be one of the stars of this 'new Granada'. What is preventing us from seeing the Piti we all know?
Caparrós: Consistency in training. In the preseason he had a mishap and then a couple more injury problems, and that takes time, not just to recover but also to get your form back. Both he, Rochina and Javi Márquez are important players who need to deliver that extra talent.

LFP.es: "Passionate about football all his life. Methodical, very hard working and, to a certain point, obsessive about the science of the game". That is how you are described on your website. How far does your obsession with this sport go?
Caparrós: I think we are all obsessed with our work, those of us who like our profession. It is not exclusive to the world of football, it can apply to all professions. Those of us who like it never rest, we are always talking about how to improve and how we can grow.

"Piti, Rochina and Javi Márquez are important players who need to deliver that extra talent"

LFP.es: Do you feel that sometimes defensive work, grit and intensity is undervalued?
Caparrós: That's football, but all coaches, regardless of the players we have, always try to find a balance. In the end, we're all looking for the same thing. We play the ball around more if we have that kind of player. The coach has to get the best out of his team and, based on that achieve his goals.

LFP.es: You have been in a lot of teams and you have always managed to get your philosophy to work. What is the secret to that success?
Caparrós: We have to believe in our chances and our knowledge and transfer them to the players, who achieve the goals through a lot of hard work. Our league one is where you need consistency, because you have to go through a lot of phases; you have to trust in what you’re doing, in your results, for better or worse. In the end, that is effective and allows you to achieve your goals.