Our second captain is an affectionate, approachable and very involved person. A great colleague who put his professional seriousness at the Club’s disposal to give the dressing room a boost when needed. Not one to be ignored, he doesn’t stay on the side-lines. Easy-going and calm, Luis knows how to communicate his ideas with respect. And in recent times, as he himself confesses in this interview, he has had to intervene and convey a sense of calm within Málaga CF during some tough times.
This security, combined with his consistency and efficiency on the field of play, make him a strategic figure in the organisation of our Club. We talk to him about COVID-19, his family and friends in Madrid, the possibility of the competition being resumed and how he’s getting on being confined at home.
How are you doing, spending so much time at home?
Much like everyone else, I’m spending time with my wife and children, trying to deal with the situation in the best way possible. I’m enjoying spending a lot of time with them, which throughout the year I don’t get to do as much as I’d like due to away games and training, and I miss it. We’re enjoying these moments, which normally we’re unable to do.
Is it possible to maintain physical fitness training alone at home?
You can notice the level of inactivity. We’re used to a highly demanding level in training, and you can certainly tell that’s not the case at the moment. We’ve not been in group training for two weeks now and although we’re trying to stay in shape with the physical trainer, you lose the pace of the competition. This is worrying for everyone. It’s hard to regain the rhythm and the spark you get from the competition and playing matches. Like the rest of my teammates, each one of us is trying to keep fit, carry out the exercises at home and try to fit what we do into a small space, but it will never be the same at home as it is with the group”.
How do you feel about the decision to suspend the competition?
It’s the most logical decision at this time. We are aware of the economic interests behind it, but we cannot take part in training sessions or play matches when there are people in hospital losing their lives. It’s the best decision that could have been made.
Do you think the competition should be resumed in the coming months?
LaLiga and the RFEF have to say when and how the competition would be resumed if they decide we’ll start playing again, but I think ethically speaking, the players shouldn’t be competing in this situation. I hope the competition will start up again and we can end the season in the fairest way for everyone, but from an ethical viewpoint, I don’t believe the footballers should be training or playing matches, regardless of the interest behind it, whilst people in the country are suffering as much as they are. Until the situation is resolved on a national scale, LaLiga shouldn’t be resumed.
How do you see the situation at the Club on an institutional level lately?
The truth is that from the first day I arrived, or after the first six months, the Club has always experienced an unstable situation. At the beginning it was from a sporting aspect, that year we got relegated and from that point on the Club has been hanging by a thread. We’re accustomed to a level of instability that seems normal from the inside. What we’ve experienced this season shouldn’t happen within a football club. A football club needs stability, which is something we haven’t had. Hopefully with the arrival of José María (Muñoz) a solid foundation can be laid for the future for Málaga, among the LaLiga greats, where we deserve to be and should never have left.
What do you think about the endorsements of Manolo Gaspar and Sergio Pellicer?
Both the coach and Manolo are highly qualified for their roles and know the house perfectly well, which is fundamental for the Club, particularly in these circumstances. Since he arrived, the coach has brought a great deal of peace of mind and calm. As he says, we only talk about football in the dressing room, which is crucial; and the ratification of Manolo brings more calm to the Club so that he and his team can work with as much normality and tranquility as possible.
What’s your opinion of the judicial administrator, José María Muñoz?
Very important decisions surrounding the future of the Club depend on him. He has reassured us and said he trusts in the team. Hopefully he’ll make the appropriate decisions for the good of the Club, which is the most important thing. Let’s hope that the decisions made will sow the seeds for a bright future for Málaga.
Reverting back to your personal life, how is your close family?
They’re fine, trying like me to get through this situation in the best possible way. I’m trying to make my children aware of what’s going on, to help them learn to value the small things that we don’t tend to value day to day.
You are from Madrid, the main focus of the coronavirus in Spain. How are your family and friends?
Our whole family is from Madrid, friends, colleagues…fortunately we haven’t had any cases of the virus within our close circle. I’m grateful to everyone who is doing their bit to make the day to day easier. To all the security forces, to the healthcare workers looking after everyone in hospitals, workers in supermarkets…they deserve the recognition. They make our every day easier and more bearable.
How do you entertain yourself during the quarantine period?
I don’t have much time to get bored. I spend a lot of time with the children, we’re not usually with them in the mornings when they’re at school and now that I’m teaching, I appreciate the effort made by the professionals in schools. Until you know what they do every day, you don’t realise their importance. We play all the games we can and then when they go to bed I chat to my wife, watch films, series, the news and always look for the positive.
Finally, what responsible message do you send to the ‘Malaguista Family’?
I want to send a message of encouragement to the entire Malaguista family at this time. I believe that we should all be aware of the situation and do all we can to adhere to the health regulations set out by the Government.
I want to congratulate them for demonstrating their Malaguista feeling, which is the best way to affront this situation. Thank you for all the initiatives involving the Club on social media, like the other day going out on to their balconies to sing the hymn. This is the best way to face this situation, together with the Malaguista feeling the light at the end of the tunnel will be ever closer.
I can’t wait to return to La Rosaleda to see all the fans enjoying and cheering on their team. We can do it together. Sending everyone lots of encouragement and see you soon.
