“I think about becoming an important forward”

Jon Bautista (Mahon, 195) takes advantage of this week of vacation in Errenteria to recharge his batteries after a first part of the campaign in which an injury that has become more complicated than necessary has prevented his transfer to Leganés from being as fruitful as expected . The Gipuzkoan forward is anxious for 2022 to arrive to continue growing and becoming that “important forward” that he dreams of being and thus being able to show that he can still succeed at Real. The eve of Kings, in any case, will be one more threat for the txuri urdin squad in the Cup match that will face them in Butarque.

How is life for Leganés? How about the assignment so far?

A bit bumpy, really. I started well, although the team was bad. Personally, I made a couple of goals, I was feeling good and then the injury came from being for a month, a month and a half, it has become two and a half months, almost three. It was a bit frustrating but I’m fine and feeling good again.

How important was it to come back and score two goals in the Cup?

Much. Going back and being able to score two goals was a joy to regain that confidence that I already had. It was a return in the best way.

He signed for Leganés at the wish of Asier Garitano and was dismissed and the team has spent part of the season near the relegation places when their goal was to move up. How do you assess the transfer from the point of view of what was expected and what has been?

Things always happen in football that you can’t control. It is true that the team started badly and that Asier was dismissed, who was the one who loved me. But a new coach has come, there are other energies, we are doing well and I know that the coach trusts me. The whole movie has changed, we are six points away from the promotion playoff that has been the goal since the beginning of the season.

Have you had a chat with Nafti, the new coach?

He is a very close coach, very sincere, he tells you what he thinks to your face. From the first day he told me that they were waiting for my return after the injury and I am happy. I recovered, I trained for three days with the team and he gave me half an hour in the Cup, which in the end was 60 minutes for extra time. Show that you trust me and give me minutes.

The first part of the season has not been lost for you but it has been very irregular. Is 2022 almost like starting over?

On the one hand yes. It has been two and a half months without being able to enjoy because of a broken finger. The reality says that he has lost me almost half a season. It’s a shame but I’m fine now, I’ve played, I’ve been able to score and, taking the physique I had before, I hope to have a very good second round.

I don’t know if he won the lottery but in the Cup draw they hit the jackpot. With their two goals they qualified for the sixteenth where they will face Real. What did you think?

Well, it was going to be a difficult game. Nice because it will be a reunion with my former colleagues, with the staff. It will be a beautiful, exciting day to enjoy.

Have you asked if there is a fear clause that prevents you from playing?

There is none of that.

In other words, that Leganés’ main threat to Real is Bautista?

We’ll see if I play, I have to catch the tone yet.

Are they for the task of going for the Cup or do you think the coach will prioritize the League?

The coach said from the first day that it is a competition that he likes, the teammates also and, with the new format, a game, it is easier to go to the round. Playing at home we will become strong to try to beat Real.

You know what the Cup meant for Real does nothing, because they have won it, and the illusion that there is of being able to repeat another final soon. Do you expect a Real for all?

All teams know that today the Cup is a great opportunity to reach the final. All the teams are going to death and we will have to do our best to win the Real.

What memories does the Cup bring you?

A lot of emotion. It is a privilege to have managed to win a title with Real. It’s true that I was only in the final because in the 19/20 season I was on loan to Belgium but I consider myself part of that title. In my role, I consider myself an important part of that title and I have the medal at home, nobody takes that away from me.

In 2022 he will turn 27, a magnificent age in which he is still on time for everything. Your contract with Real ends in 2023. With what mentality do you face the season regarding your personal project?

I think about doing a good second round, becoming an important striker at Leganés and scoring goals, which we already know is difficult in Second. I’m not worried about what happens next season, I haven’t spoken to anyone at Real and, whatever happens, I’ll push forward.

Many times a loan is the first step to a final exit. Sorloth has arrived, there is Carlos Fernández, who will recover, from below comes Karrikaburu. Do you still believe that you have a place in the Real?

Hope is never lost but you have to be realistic and see that there are very good people like all those you mentioned. You have to be aware of this but I will give everything on my part to succeed in the Real, which is the dream of every Gipuzkoan.

How would you define, in a nutshell, Isak?

Isak is a crack, I can only say good things about him.

Carlos Fernández?

A player with a lot of class and very smart, very alive to play.

¿Sorloth?

I’ve only seen him on TV because I don’t miss a game. He is a powerful forward, with a lot of strength and, although he is so big, he is agile.

What would you say to Karrikaburu, who may be close to experiencing a process like the one you experienced when you emerged in the first team?

That nothing is left training, that he tightens every day and that he shows what he is worth having his head furnished. Give everything to get to the first team.

Does a youth academy striker have to be aware of how difficult it is to gain a foothold as a forward and youth player at Real?

I have always said that the striker and the goalkeeper of the quarry are the ones who have it the most difficult at Real. That is why you have to work hard, be very demanding, very professional and do everything possible to prove your worth.

He says no game is lost. How do you see the team now that you have lost four consecutive games?

In football there are streaks and, like it or not, the League is long. I see the Real very well, with its characteristic style. They are a great team with enthusiasm, desire and hunger and at the end of the season they will be at the top fighting for anything.

Are you still in the team’s WhatsApp group or have you been fired?

I left. That is a sacred rule. He who is not, is not. Not at all.

Not even to hesitate in the face of the Cup?

No, but there are always video calls with colleagues and tax authorities and I am very in contact with them.

Have you had time these days to be with a partner?

No, it’s just a few days and everyone takes the opportunity to be with their families or go out, with their partners, their family …

When do they start training?

We started on the 27th so on the 26th I will leave with my wife and my dogs for Madrid.