Mario Suarez (Alcobendas, 1987) has it clear: “Yes, you can”. She is sung by the fans, the locker room feels it and Vallecas breathes it. He is one of the captains, the one with the most finals behind him, some shared with Falcao. They both won the Copa del Rey with the Athletic (12-13). For this reason, giving Rayo and the neighborhood that possibility excites him. He is happy wearing the Fringe and feels good in his new demarcation. The midfielder has taken with note his central role. He likes challenges, they help him grow. Hence, I look at Thursday’s appointment with a smile and eyes lit up. And it is that Iraola has a plan, the comeback plan…
—How does the locker room live this important appointment?
—With much desire. We can make history, both the club and the players and the coaching staff. For many it would be their first final. We have to leave everything, in illusion no one can beat us.
—In Vallecas they sang ‘Yes, you can’… Can you?
-Of course! The most important factor is to be convinced that we can win. The enthusiasm of the people comes to you and that we have the opportunity to make Vallecas happy is very nice. At the beginning of the season we would have all signed to be where we are. With a reward like this, this Thursday is worth giving everything…
“Why does Lightning have to go to the final?”
—We are a humble team, recently promoted, that has made an impeccable Cup. We deserve it because we have given everything and we have given importance to the Cup from the beginning.
“If as soon as we start we score, we scare him into the body…”
—How do you beat Betis?
—If Betis isn’t the fittest team, it’s one of the best. Fekir is very talented, but also Canales, Borja Iglesias, Juanmi… We must give our best version, our 120%, and be effective in the areas. We must be aware of the small details, not make mistakes and put the ones we have. If as soon as we start we score, we put the scare in the body.
—They will not be alone in Villamarín…
-We cannot ask the fans for anything because they give us everything, with the obstacles they are having, they are still at the foot of the canyon. Now, in the semifinals, everything seems very nice, but I remember people who have traveled to Guijuelo, Bergantiños, Miranda, Girona… For them this is also a reward. Hopefully after these 90 minutes we can celebrate a historic final together.
Does Iraola have a plan?
—He has a clear idea of the game and that is important, knowing what he wants and transmitting it to you. I’m sure he has something prepared, but I can’t reveal it… Let’s hope it works. We all have to add, those inside, those outside…
—Is the end of the losing streak in sight?
-Let’s hope. The team is fine, but we are being penalized for not being as effective in front of goal as before. The first round was historic in every way. It was surreal. There was a time when Falcao had five goals from six or seven shots on goal. If he had continued with that average, he would have been the top scorer. We must continue working, believing in what we do. It is what has brought us here. There will be a time when the ball will go in because of the quality we have up top.
Falcao is in doubt. Will there be a goal Tiger If arrives?
-Hopefully, although I don’t care who marks it, as if it’s them at their own door (laughs).
—One thinks of games like the Cup and you do it in Falcao.
—I have lived with him three finals, in two he scored and in the third he assisted. It is a guarantee and in the important moments he is always there. He is one of those star players. In these types of games he can give us a lot. His quality is more than proven.
-You had part of ‘fault’ in your signing…
“We have a long-standing friendship. As soon as the possibility arose, I passed it on to the club, I spoke with Radamel and put him in context of what Rayo is like inside, what it means to play in Vallecas… He was delighted from the first moment. I’m happy for him and for us, because a player of his caliber is coming. He knew that he was going to add sportingly and he is also a figure that the club could exploit much more so that the Rayo brand is better known worldwide.
“I have had an immense improvement as a central defender and it is a plus to play in two positions”
—On a personal level, how are you playing as a center back?
-Great. It may seem that you are not because you don’t play everything, but I feel good mentally, physically… As a central defender I have had a huge improvement from the first game until now. I’m comfortable. It is a point in favor to be able to play in two demarcations.
-How do you live this year also in the extra-sports being one of the captains?
—The club has to improve, become professional… We must all push ourselves so that Rayo is stable in the First Division and that Vallecas can enjoy it for many years. The players reached a certain point. From there it depends on others, who make the decisions. Let’s hope that everything is resolved because I would like that in the Ray of the future there would be harmony between all the parties, that sports feats be talked about and that the club, from the outside, be enviable.
—Where do you see yourself in the future?
—I finish in 2023. I turned 35 days ago and I find myself in one of my best moments in a new position in which I feel comfortable. I want to be in Rayo and continue enjoying my profession every day. I am passionate about it and I take care of myself to extend my career to the maximum.
And it continues to build…
—I did a master’s degree in sports management at the Garrigues study center, the sports management degree at the RFEF and this year I’m at ‘LaLiga Business School’ with another, taught by Valdano with Oxygen. Training will be good for me in the future. I want to be linked to football, but I don’t know where. I would also like to get my coaching card when I retire.