Facundo Esnáider He is living a few months full of strong emotions in what is being his debut course as a senior. Son of Juan Eduardo, former Real Madrid or Atlético forward Among others, he is part of the Navalcarnero discipline like his brother Juan. Together they pursue the dream of surprising and eliminating Eibar in the Copa del Rey.
Question: They tell me that he has a reputation as a prophet, that he was saying that they would face Eibar even before the draw. Why did he have that hunch?
Reply: I watched the game against Las Rozas, I saw how they were eliminated and I said 'let Eibar play us'. In addition, my father trained Pedro León, I have known him since I was little. He is always a player that I liked and I was excited to face him.
Q: The normal thing is that one prefers Real Madrid or Barcelona, right?
A: I also wanted them but seeing that they had already left, of those who remained, Eibar was the one I liked the most.
Q: He was talking about Pedro León. I suppose that a bond similar to his will have his brother, who also plays for Navalcarnero. Who is going to keep his shirt?
A: I have already asked for it. Let him find another one because that is mine. I was faster, you will have to find another or we will ask for two.
Q: Knowing that you can read the future … Do you have a feeling for how the Cup match is going to end? How have you visualized it in your head?
A: I visualized it similar to the one in Las Palmas. A difficult match, against an incredible rival. A 1-0 the truth is that we would all love it and it would be a dream. Hopefully.
Q: What are the Navalcarnero's weapons to surprise?
A: The same as always. We are a united team, we all work and we all defend. If we have an opportunity, we have to seize it and try to win.
Q: Have you asked your father how you win a Primera?
A: No, not that yet. We already know how to win a Primera. Working, without making mistakes because if we do it they will score you a goal for their quality. We must not make mistakes and we have to take advantage of ours.
Q: Is the Esnaider name heavy?
A: My brothers more than me because of the position and because they are older. There is more the memory associated with them of my father in another era. I, at least until now that is my first year senior, I did not have much.
Q: Being with your brother on this adventure … does it help?
A: He's giving me a huge hand. Starting this most professional stage of football with my brother, who gives me incredible help … I can't ask for more.
Q: What memory do you have of your father as a footballer?
A: I have no memory of him as a footballer, he is more of a coach. I enjoyed it a lot when I was second at Getafe with Míchel and the team was in the Europa League. That year I enjoyed it. And now when he has been in Japan too.
Q: Eibar already suffered against Las Rozas. Do you feel like they can pass the tie?
A: It's soccer. They are very good but they can make mistakes too. If we don't commit them and work, I think we can pass.
Q: If you were given the choice between being promoted to the Second Division or crossing paths with Real Madrid or Barcelona … what would you be left with?
A: I would say promote to Second. I would be very excited about both, but I think the league is the most important thing and the Copa de Rey is more of a gift that is falling on us because of our work and our sacrifice.