Markel Bergara (Elgoibar, 1986) tries to adapt to his new life after leaving football. He was lucky enough to play European competitions with Real and from his experience he explains what awaits the txuri urdin team next season.
How are you living the whole situation that the pandemic is generating?
Well within what fits, adapting to this new way of life with the mask. We have been able to take a vacation with the family and now we are back in Donostia for the remainder of summer.
How is the life of ex-footballer?
Well, I am in that training and learning process. I still need to present the sports manager thesis and I am also in the internship phase of the second coaching course. My intention is to get both titles because I don't know very well where I want to direct my life, so I want to train in everything.
After a magnificent season, Real has achieved a European ticket. You played the Champions League and the previous Europa League with the team at the time. What memories come to mind?
Well, I have very good memories of that time. I think they were the best years in my time at La Real because in terms of results we managed to enter Europe two years in a row. And in the end, whether you want to or not, playing in Europe, even though the Spanish League is a very very powerful League, it is always special for any fan and any player. I think you have to live it from that point of view.
He was lucky enough to score a goal against Aberdeen. I imagine it will be something special.
Yes, especially since I was not one of those who got many. It's a nice memory to have scored a goal in the Europa League, it's nice for any player. And for a Real, playing in Europe is a source of pride. Next season looks very exciting.
How do you manage the fact of having to play every three days in a team that is not so used to playing so many games and with so little room for rest?
Well, the important thing is to have a good and highly compensated squad because there are usually many games and that means having more injuries than normal. But I think that at the level of fatigue the body gets used to it. It is true that you train less, but you compete more. From the memories I have of the years in which we played three competitions, it gives me the feeling that the body adapts and ends up picking up the rhythm. It will be similar to the end of this last campaign and it cannot serve as an excuse.
Is the Real prepared to face what is coming?
Yes. They are young and strong. They also have a very long and highly compensated squad, but above all with a lot of quality. The alternatives they have in all the positions make it a very balanced squad.
What would you highlight the most about the team, what did you like the most?
I like everything. There are young people, hungry, from the quarry and who feel the club … I also love the coaching staff with Imanol, Labaka or Ansotegi. They are people who know what the Real is. It is the typical team that hooks you as a fan.
And what can you tell me about the last season? Everything has happened because of the pandemic.
Yes. Soccer, in the end, is dynamic. Before the stoppage, they were with the arrow up, everything worked out for them and people were very confident. But later there were games that did not go ahead, there began to be doubts and things did not work. However, at the last moment, even with that stress, they managed to enter Europe and if you assess in general, the team's season is brutal. Getting into the Cup final and qualifying for the Europa League is a very big achievement.
There is no one left from the generation of the Agirretxe, Markel, Zurutuza and others after the latter hung up his boots in July.
Well that means we are getting older (laughs). Many of us are already retired. The truth is that it was a beautiful generation. I personally and humanly have very good memories of those years. Now a generational change has come with players who have arrived with great force. Very good people also come underneath and the future I see for Real is very hopeful.
Markel Bergara analyzes the Cup final and the trip that Real will make to the Middle East to play an exciting competition. “The Saudi Super Cup is a bit different, it is something unique to play there. And regarding the Cup final, I am a supporter, and I don't care if it has to be delayed as long as it has to be delayed, of playing it with people and that the two hobbies generate a party around football. You have to play that final with all that it entails ”.