The Pride of Vallekas

When did you make the decision to pursue football and what motivated you to do so? The first time I saw a soccer ball was at 3 years of age. I remember perfectly seeing my brother playing and from that very moment I was in love with this sport. All I learned was thanks to my brother. What was the experience like when you played for Torrejón for the first time? For me it was a dream come true because I was going to have the possibility to play in the first division and I have to say that everything was thanks to my team A.D. Orcasitas that was in a lower category (2nd Division). It is a time in my life that I will never forget because it was where I got to know myself and where I learned to grow as a player. What were the initial thoughts you had when Rayo Vallecano approached you? The truth is that I felt very flattered and fortunate because they had a great project with great players and I was very excited that they wanted me to be part of the team. You were one of the ...

When did you make the decision to pursue football coaching and what motivated you to do so? Well, I’ve been interested in it since always. I was a football player when I was a kid, and my football coaches used to be my target. It’s why I’ve been working in football for so many years and  I hope to do so for many more years to come. What was your background before Liverpool came calling? I used to be in my local town, which is Reus - they’re now in the second division. I was also at Gimnàstic de Tarragona, before which I worked for UE Rapitenca. I used to be involved in organisation and football coaching while at the same time obtaining my coaching license (while at Rapitenca) and studying sports science at the Universitat de Lleida for four years. What were the first thoughts in your mind when Liverpool offered you a position and was Rafael Benítez connected to the deal? I was the first Spanish coach there but was never appointed by Rafael Benítez - I was appointed...

Pictures of Luis Yáñez, the general manager, and a fan, David Arranz, having a heated discussion during the game, in which Luis accused David of calling him a "fucking fascist", a claim that has been denied. Fans chanting "Presa, hijo de puta, Bukaneros te saluda" once David was evicted by security, which doesn't even need translation (for the record, it's "Presa, you son of a bitch, Bukaneros greets you"). Presa banning 20 fans who undertook a peaceful protest with Presa Vete Ya banners. Also, the verb Presa translates to Stress, or Force. The noun translates to journalism. It's just so ironic and perfect.... But today's post is about tactics. In a 4-2-3-1, Jordi Gómez's introduction for Baena was what I previously called "the death warrant of any defensive protection" (Read it here ). I must confess, having seen Trashorras and Jordi Gómez work together against the sturdy defense of Reus Deportiu, I need to salute Míchel...