Carlos Soler will turn 24 in January and is one of the captains of Valencia. It is because of membership, he came to the club with 7 years, and by hierarchy, 155 games. Only Gayà (235) has played more. Grace has brought you back to your origins in the mean. For his talent and also for the escape sponsored by Lim (Parejo, Coquelin and Kondogbia). Soler assumes responsibility and asks for a vote of confidence for this Valencia.
He had the ball in his hand for 6 'before taking the penalty against Getafe. What did you think about?
I had less … Djené took it from me and sent it to the corner (laughs). You think about everything, but I was confident. Mendieta style? I've only seen him on videos. The style is more for Oyarzábal. We rehearsed together in the selection. He throws them great.
I did see Baraja and Albelda live against Madrid.
They are my childhood. I was lucky to have Baraja as coach. He and Rubén Mora placed me at '8'. I had the season ticket at Gol Xicotet. If you were late, you had to sit on the stairs. Mestalla's tension against Madrid was brutal.
Do you miss the fans?
I imagine everyone, but Mestalla is Mestalla. The push of the people influences. The data is there. Since the pandemic we have scored fewer points at home. Today we don't have that drive, but the tension on the pitch has to be the same.
What is the feeling of belonging to you?
There are people who come from outside and give a lot of love to the shield. But those of us who have grown up here know that Valencia is a feeling that goes beyond football. Gayà, Lato … Those of us from below know the responsibility we have for the club and the fans.
Are you obsessed with such responsibility?
Perhaps we live it with more intensity. Our grandparents, parents and siblings are very from Valencia. Those of us who have been around the longest have to assume that responsibility, but without obsessing over it. We have discussed it in the locker room, with the coach, the president … We will come out of this situation if we are a team in capital letters.
You say they spoke in the locker room, conclusion?
We have eight points out of 24. Very few. It was a difficult summer. Important players left, they only came on loan, no reinforcement, a new coach … The road is being slower than desired. But in Paterna there is intensity and we see green shoots, although the results are not as desired.
Are you affected by the social tension that exists between the property and a large number of fans?
We are not robots nor do we live in a bunker. Everything comes to us and we are aware. But in the dressing room, technicians and players, we have talked about focusing only on the field.
Remarks coaching staff and players. How do players view Gracia?
The coach already said what he had to say. He explained it to us personally and by letter to the press. For our part it was settled. He was about to leave, but he did not pass and he told us that he would be 100% with us and we with him. It was not an idyllic situation but a clean slate.
Does it bother you to talk about permanence?
We don't like it, obviously. It is talked about from very early on. I can understand the fan's frustration, because very important people left. But I only ask that you trust us. There are young people who want to help and progress; and people who have been in the club for a long time who take responsibility. If Mestalla were with the public, I know that the fans would not leave us alone.
He talks like he's a veteran and he's only 23 years old.
I see Yunus and I feel more veteran (laughs). It is the law of life. The circumstances say when you have to assume responsibilities and the time has come. Parejo left, Coquelin … I assume that weight and pull the car myself. Look at Gayà. Every year is more reference. His love for the club, its growth… is an example.