Capa: “I have improved mentally, before I was weaker”

A ander cloak (8-2-92) they stopped him on the street several times during the time he had an appointment with AS in the heart of Bilbao. They encourage him, teach him messages, take photos with the Portuguese side and recommend him to continue in the Athleticsomething that is going to happen except for an unexpected swerve at the wish of the candidates for the Ibaigane elections: “It’s what we wanted and that’s how it has been. It’s time to wait a bit”launches in the interview reviewing the course of ostracism that he has lived with Marcelino Garcia Toral.

Arechabaleta commented that he is going to make a pre-contract…

As Uriarte rightly said, what we want to do is for there to be a consensus among the three candidates and, once the new president leaves, present the official contract. Everyone has been talked to, but it hasn’t been finalized yet.

The best scenario for Capa has occurred after the departure of Marcelino García Toral from the coaching position.

Yes, from the beginning I have said that I wanted to continue at Athletic, so I try to be as calm as possible. Once the season is over and the pre-candidates have been presented, contact has been made with my agents. It is what we wanted and it has been. You have to wait a bit.

Are you overwhelmed by so much repercussion among people when Capa is a quiet guy who likes to go his own way?

They know me the same as before. It has been a difficult year for me in terms of football. I have improved mentally, it has made me stronger. The desire and the illusion that I have right now are the same as when I came to Athletic or made my debut in the First Division. They are huge.

Physically he’s a bull… What work have you done to keep fit despite not playing the entire course except for a few minutes?

I have always trained with the whole group. I’ve tried to stay in shape all year and now that summer is here I’ll try to stay in shape and start the preseason strong.

In January Mallorca wanted to sign him. Why, in the end, did he not go to the island knowing that Marcelino did not have his benefits?

Mallorca wanted a loan for the remaining four months and once the season was over it would be seen. But no agreement was reached between the club and us. I decided to stay here even though I knew I wasn’t going to have minutes and train for myself.

How is your relationship with De Marcos, Lekue and Petxarroman due to sharing a demarcation?

The truth is that I have a good relationship with everyone, I get along with everyone very well. They are not rivals, they are competition and competition is good, it makes you not relax and that you give your best in each training session.

In this period of uncertainty, he has already received interest from other teams. Has everything stopped for Athletic or are you listening to other channels?

Closing the door I’m not going to close it, but my priority will always be to stay here, at Athletic.

Teams like Mallorca, Valencia, Elche…

Yes, things have come out, but I have stayed out of it. I know there have been club interests and that’s it.

In other words, it has a market in the First Division.

Yes, it could be, it could.

What lesson have you acquired in this season in ostracism?

In mentality I was…, or I will continue to be lazy, but this year, going through this situation, there are times when you don’t understand it and you think about it. You’re sad, you lose enthusiasm, you lose your desire, you slack… But there came a time when I said to myself: up to here, I can’t go on like this, it’s not life. Seeing my friends, my family, my girlfriend like this is not a plan. I told myself I was going to continue. Mentally I have become stronger. I hope this process will help me from here on out.

Beyond the money, what he continues to demand from Athletic is a two-year contract.

Yes, the only thing I have asked for is two years and I was only given one.

Which coach would you like to land at Athletic this summer? Has he thought about it?

I do not have preferences. Those that have come out are rumours, I don’t give it importance. I have no preference, I do not prefer.

No names but how would you like it to be?

Good question… Marcelino is a good coach, I liked his ideas, but I haven’t had the opportunity to play. The truth is that I adapt to whatever.

And the Sports Director, which will also vary…

For me, showing interest and wanting me to stay is enough.

Is the eighth place in the League for this team the best for Athletic due to the rivals ahead of it?

No, you can always aspire to more. I believe that there is no need to set a ceiling, you have to break it and exceed expectations.

This summer more than 30 players will meet in Lezama…

I hadn’t thought about it until now…, but in previous preseasons we’ve also gotten together quite a few players and in the end, a long squad does tend to stay.

Do you trust to get the 2 rojiblanco again?

Man, if I don’t trust my chances, who’s going to trust me? Of course I trust myself.

The loaned Córdoba, Morcillo, Iñigo Vicente, García de Albéniz and Nolaskoain return. How have you seen them?

I’ve been following them a bit. Córdoba has some very good numbers in Holland, with goals, Iñigo Vicente too, and what I have seen are very good references.

Vacations from sun and beach. What plans do you have?

Rest and disconnect. Nothing more.