Imanol already had the Real fans in his pocket for his fantastic work on the bench, his devastating personality and his love of colors; but with his proclamations as a fan in the press conference after the final, he ended up conquering the most lazy hearts.
Are you still on a cloud or have you perfectly drawn in your head how it all happened?
I am very aware of everything that has happened. It has been two very special weeks, with messages from all the fans. Coincidences of life: 36 years ago, on March 17, my mistress died, when I was 15 years old. This past week is the worst in my life and look where, with this joy that Real Sociedad has given me, now I am going to have reasons to cry out of both sadness and joy. And that for the Real.
Have they been intense days?
Yes, because in addition, this week an uncle of mine also died from covid. But he was very focused on the game. It has been good for us that some internationals were not there because we have been preparing the final with players from the reserve team. Everything has been perfect. In that sense, I am very, very happy and very satisfied. The players deserved it, they have been doing a great job this last year and a half. The Cup last year was brutal. And we have won it, without reaching extra time, without penalties.
Who was the first one that you remembered being champions?
Of my wife and my two children. I have taken it easy, although on the inside … I get home every day at eight thirty or nine at night, my head is still in Zubieta, I still wear the mask at home. They are the ones who have suffered me and this goes for them. It also goes for my uncles, my cousins and my nephews. On Friday they made me a video and I left Zubieta crying between the video and the reception. I also remember the fans, who are the engine. And this is also because of you, because of how you treat me. I am very grateful.
Lasarte launched that of ‘They do not disunite’ and Imanol started with ‘Erreala alé, irabazi art…’. How was that moment?
It is what came out at the time. All of Gipuzkoa deserved it, not only the members, but also those fans who cry when Real loses. It came from my heart.
What image do you get of what happened after the game on the grass?
My first hugs were with the staff members. I wanted to leave the players aside, because I understand that it is their moment. They are the architects, the artists, who have achieved this. The triumph was for them and they have enjoyed it.
And when did you enter the locker room? What was the photograph?
I couldn't be with the group. There will be time to celebrate and play the kick as it deserves. On Saturday the celebration in the field and the press conferences could not be carried out.
In the second half everything changed. At half time, what message did you send them?
We knew we had to keep pushing. Although we weren't creating great chances and it wasn't being a brilliant match, we knew it was going to be like that. Besides, with the storm that fell at the beginning, it was not easy. But the team was comfortable. And in the break, we reinforce the idea, retouching some nuances. We were aware that we were going to be capable. We go out as always, brave, daring and for victory.
How did you convince everyone that you could win the Cup, the damn 30-year competition?
The thing is, for me a friendly match for Real is a great match. Imagine if it is official. The only thing that I have made the players see is that any game wearing this shirt has to be great. And that's what we have done: face all the games like this, including the friendlies and the Cup games.
Do you think it is the beginning of something more important?
Let's hope. That is everyone's illusion. You know better than I what it takes to give continuity. The team is young, it is growing, it is maturing, but it costs a lot to maintain this, with this regularity and to always be competitive. This is the way, this is going to be the idea and by effort it is not going to be.
Is there Imanol for a while? Isn't he getting tired?
When I took over the first team and when I renewed, it was with all the consequences. When they come badly given, that they will come, I'm going to hold on to the helm. If this ship sinks, it will be with Imanol at the helm. I have that very clear. I am two years old, I hope to fulfill them and give more joy to the fans