LFP.es visits Alcorcón before the Derby against Leganés (II)

The 2013/14 season will live on long in the memory of Fran Cruz (Cordoba, 22 June 1991), the interviewee in our second instalment. The Córdoba CF academy player found a place for him in the Blanquiverde first squad, playing 29 matches in the Liga Adelante and winning promotion to the Liga BBVA with the Andalusians. The young central defender was then loaned to AD Alcorcón, a club that he describes as "a good place to grow in football". LFP.es spoke with him in Santo Domingo before the match against CD Leganés.

LFP.es: How are you adapting to the team?
Fran Cruz: Well, everyone needs time to adapt. The preseason is over, the Liga Adelante has started and I’m now just thinking about the competition and working day by day. The club and the dressing room have been very welcoming to the newcomers. I’m very grateful.

LFP.es: What made you choose Alcorcón as a club at which to keep growing?
Fran Cruz: The manager’s great philosophy and plan. I asked and people had good things to say about it as a club and an institution. I still think it is a good place to grow, both as a footballer and a person. Above all though, it was the exciting philosophy and plans they have.

"The match against Leganés will be very competitive, with two teams who will go out to win and not speculate"

LFP.es: What are your goals for this spell on loan?
Fran Cruz: To get better day after day and give my all. Also to be able to help the team and, above all, work, work, work.

LFP.es: What can you tell us about José Bordalás, your new manager?
Fran Cruz: I really like him a lot because he is the type of coach who is very intense. Footballers are grateful for that because you always get into the training and competition, and it also helps you to stay focused. He asks us to be intense, competitive and to always go out to win.

LFP.es: You had an unforgettable year at Córdoba, winning promotion to the Liga BBVA Do you think Alcorcón are capable of repeating the feat? They’ve been close in recent years…
Fran Cruz: I don’t like looking beyond this week. The goal is to get 50 points, as it is for any team at the start. The main goal is the match on the weekend coming up and working week after week without looking any further forward.

LFP.es: This weekend you will play in your first Madrid derby. What do you expect from the clash with Leganés?
Fran Cruz: As the Liga Adelante is so close, you don’t know how a match will turn out. I think it will be a very competitive match, with two teams that are going out to win and not speculate.

"I really like Bordalás a lot because he is the type of coach who is very intense. He asks us to be intense, competitive and to always go out to win"

LFP.es: There is still a long way to go, but on matchday 15 there will be a very special Racing-Alcorcón clash. You will be playing against your brother Bernardo for the first time.
Fran Cruz: It will be strange for me because, if I’m not mistaken, we played together for four years. You have to adapt to everything. Off the pitch we’re brothers, we’ve been teammates and now we’re opponents. What can you do?!

LFP.es: Will you exchange messages during the week. What will you say?
Fran Cruz: Yes, we always do. We’ll both be making digs at each other during the week. But just at him, not the team. I’ll wind him up, tell him to watch out because I’m coming (laughs).

LFP.es: How do you see Cordoba from a distance?
Fran Cruz: Like another one of the fans. The team has adapted well to the division. Being a newly promoted team is usually more difficult. I think they could have a good year.

LFP.es: What dreams is Fran Cruz yet to realise?
Fran Cruz: A lot, everything possible and more. I would say debuting in the Liga BBVA and not setting goals. Above all to work hard and improve without setting limits.