The team has had a good start to the season, and you’ve scored two goals in two matches. What do you think of this great beginning?
We’ve started really well, achieving three out of three victories, but we need to stay focused on improving all the time. From a personal point of view I’m pleased with my performance, I’ve had a lot of minutes on the pitch and feel comfortable on the attack. I hope to continue doing well for the team.
Whilst celebrating your first goal, you ran over to the dug out to hug Salva Ballesta. What’s your relationship with the coach?
We’re all close to the coach, he gives us a lot of confidence but at the same time is very demanding. I think he’s the best coach we could possibly have as he always focuses on local players from within the province, and some high quality players have come from Málaga.
There’s also a good atmosphere in the locker room…
Yes, we’re a really close-knit group, which the coach has helped to develop by arranging training sessions away from home, meals out…we all get on very well. As well as teammates we’re all friends, all of similar ages, with the majority of us having met in the Club’s lower ranks. The new players have adapted well to the team, and I think we’ve helped them fit in as much as possible.
Do you find it helpful that Salva used to be a professional player, and a striker?
Yes, definitely. On a national level, the coach was one of the best strikers in history, he’s given me some amazing advice in training and I’ve learnt so much from him. It’s funny because when I first started in La Academia, Salva was playing for Málaga CF, and my coach at the time said I really looked up to him.
Which player do you look up to now?
Roque Santa Cruz. We’re quite similar from a physical aspect. I think he’s a fantastic player, great striker, works well in the penalty area and is a real team player.
What’s Pedro Mérida like on the pitch?
I think I’m a hard-working striker. I support the team as much as possible, play well when the ball’s in the air, perform well with my back to the goal, and have an eye for hitting the target. I’m performing well at the moment, but I’m very aware of the fact that I’m still young and have a lot of room for improvement to be a better all-rounder. I need to work on my skills using both feet and continue improving on my movement and ball possession with my back to the goal area.
How did you start playing football?
I first started playing in local Fuengirola schools, then with the Málaga selection, moving on to Fuengirola Los Boliches and then to Málaga CF. I’ll always be very grateful to Antonio Benítez as he was the person who brought me to Málaga CF and supported me all the way.
We’ve mentioned Salva and Santa Cruz…but you’re also a fan of two footballing legends?
Yes, I really admire Juan Gómez "Juanito" and Raúl González. Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to see Juanito play as he passed away in 1992, and I was born in 1993, but I’ve always been a follower of his career. Coming from Fuengirola, I’ve heard so much about him which first sparked my interest in his footballing history, and I watched his matches and read his biography. I’ve also followed Raúl since I was a young boy. I’ve always tried to imitate his style on the pitch, and celebrate goals like he did by pointing to the back of my shirt.
Favourite things:
Colour: Red
Book: Juan Gómez “Juanito” – ‘El Genio de Fuengirola’
Film: Gladiator
Actor: Fernando Tejero
Actress: Angelina Jolie
Food Pasta
Videogame: FIFA
Place to relax: London
Hobbies: Listening to music, going to the beach and spending time with my friends
