Álex Portillo: “Initial feelings surrounding the League are good”

First game and first win of the year.  What are the initial feelings about this season?
We’re all feeling good after our first match.  The team is coming together now and we’re working extremely hard.  We played well on Sunday, and although there’s room for improvement in training and in matches, the initial feelings are good.
 
The second match of the season is against Mancha Real on Sunday at 7 p.m.
We’ve definitely got some tough matches coming up at the start of the season.  The match against Mancha Real won’t be easy, but we’re determined to impose our style of play and come home with three points.
 
With Salva on the bench, your position on the pitch has changed from left winger to midfielder.  Do you feel comfortable with the change?
If anything, I feel more comfortable in midfield, but I could return to the wing if needs be.  I don’t mind what position I play, I’ll do whatever the coach needs me to do, the only thing I want to do is play football.

Speaking of the coach, what’s Salva Ballesta like in the locker room?
He’s the best coach we could possibly have, and we’re all really happy with him.  He doesn’t just inspire confidence in the players, he’s demanding and always uses his experience as a player to help the team.  He’s been through what we’re experiencing now and gives great advice day-to-day. 

You’ve renewed your contract with the Club for this season and the next
Yes, I’m really pleased.  There was nothing to think about, I’m so happy here and looking forward to continue to grow as a footballer in my home town.  As soon as I signed the contract, I was focused on improving as much as possible every day.
 
You got the chance to debut with the first team last season.  What are your memories of that day?
It was an amazing day.  I made my debut in Cáceres and played well.  I was then fortunate enough to be included in Pellegrini’s starting-11 at La Rosaleda.  I was a little overwhelmed at first as there were so many people, but it was a fantastic experience which I’d love to repeat.

Last year you were in training with first team player Portillo, which has apparently caused some confusion!
Yes! (Laughs) People often get me confused with Francisco Portillo, on Twitter and in person…but I always tell them “I’m Álex!”  In training last year when Pellegrini said “Portillo”, no-one knew which one of us he was referring to, until he said “the good one” referring to the first team player (laughs).
 
Favourite things:

Colour: Black
Book: The Harry Potter collection
Film: The Pursuit of Happyness
Actor: Will Smith
Actress: Jennifer López
Food: I love pasta, and love to cook myself
Videogame: Fifa
Pet: I have a dog called Balto, named after a film about a wolf
Place to relax: I’d like to go to the Caribbean
Hobbies: I like to play other sports and go to the cinema