Juan Carlos (01-20-1988, Guadalajara) is Girona's wall. His season has been to frame, he has had the confidence of Francisco, and his only objective is to get back up to First. He is the only player in the Girona squad who knows what it is like to move up the playoff route (he did it with Córdoba in the 2013-14 season) and he does not want this opportunity to escape him. In addition, he is one step away from renewing because his contract ends on the 30th of this month and he wants to do it as a First-class player.
Will there be a happy ending, finally, for Girona this season?
If only. Inside the dressing room we are optimistic because if we are not, who is going to be. We are in a good moment and we really want to reach the goal that resisted us last year. Of course, we must keep our feet on the ground because we have not achieved anything yet.
Do you think they are favorites given that they have a 1-2 lead in the first leg?
Being favorites or not is silly. There are no favorites in these qualifying rounds, they are very close matches, which are decided by details. In addition, you can also think that the favorite is Rayo because they have been in the playoffs all season. We come with a good result in the first leg, but it is not final. A thousand things can happen and we will have to offer the best version.
How important is psychological preparation for this return match?
A lot because the head will make the legs work. You will have to be focused and be positive. We all really want because they are games that every footballer likes to play. It is what you really prepare yourself for, you look for these types of matches in your career.
You were part of the squad that lost the final to Elche the previous year. Do you think about it or is it already forgotten?
I personally do not think. It is already past. I think we have learned from what happened and there is no use thinking about it. These are things that happen in football and that's it. It does not have to obsess us. We have to learn from it, but not condition.
He is the only Girona player who knows what it is like to go up to the First Division through the playoffs because he did it with Córdoba. How is?
Very exciting. I have not won any title at the club level, but I have experienced a couple of promotions to First Division and it is very nice, it gives you an exceptional high. Especially for the happiness you see around you, which is the best thing about living this.
Since it was formed in the Lightning. What would it mean to seal promotion against one of your former teams?
Regardless of whether it is a final or not, it is always special to be able to play against Rayo because I was trained there, I played in their quarry and later in the first team. I have good friends there, but we all know that when the ball starts rolling, each one defends his own.
Do you have a charm or superstition that helps you deal better with your nerves?
I am not very superstitious, I have more hobbies and my things, but I do not believe in colors, stairs or black cats.
What the hell are you waiting for?
It is a very dangerous team, we already know that. We have also experienced it this year in Montilivi. Here they did a very good first 30 minutes. You will have to be at 120 percent to achieve the goal. They will demand a lot from us and more after 1-2 because when there is a need, you push harder.
Last year Riesgo played the playoffs, but this year he has become a key player for Francisco. How do you rate your season?
I have found myself comfortable. The confidence of the coach has been very important to me and it is that more than as a player, he has treated me as a person and sometimes it is not easy. It is appreciated. I think things have turned out well for me, I have been able to help the team in many games and it is important to be happy and content because that makes you enjoy yourself and things turn out better.
Contract ends on the 30th of this month. Are you going to renew?
The conversations with the club are very fluid, there is a very good relationship. They want to solve it for the better and it is my intention. We are going to meet at the point that we both want, but in the end there are fringes that we have to close. The club is going to reward me for my performance and I think we will come to fruition.
Renewal? The club wants to solve it for the better and it is my intention “
A few months ago he explained that he believed that the club was not assessing him how he deserved. If you are so optimistic about your renovation, is it that you are already doing it?
The situation has changed a lot compared to a few months ago. The club has moved the date and it is to be appreciated. I needed to feel loved and valued, I don't seek to be more than anyone else. I just wanted my work in the field to be valued and things are flowing towards a place that is good. It's going to take us both to be happy. But this is not known until it is signed.
Will the signature be after the game against Rayo?
Here and now, the only goal is promotion, the success of achieving what we have worked for a long time. The most important thing is the common goal because there are many people next to the team. One of the things that motivates me the most is being able to see people happy. It would be the most beautiful thing.
Have you thought about how you will celebrate the promotion if it is achieved?
First we are going to win the game and if we have to celebrate it, we will do it as it comes out. The best plans are the improvised ones. If in the end we succeed, the celebration will come out on its own and will remain in history.