Little more can Rodri Sánchez (Talayuela, 2000) ask of such a round season in which he renewed with Betis and won the Copa del Rey. He now returns to the U21, a balm that helped him in the hardest moment after his injury in November.
First of all, congratulations.
Thank you very much. It has been a great year. We had been 17 without winning anything and I am very proud to be part of the best Betis in history.
Personally, it was also fabulous with the renewal.
I think I earned the renewal with what I contributed to the team the previous year. I’m happy because Betis has given me the space that I think I deserve and I’ve returned that affection, both to the fans and to the club. The coaching staff knows that I gave it my all.
Pity that injury that took him out of eleven in November…
I started the year very well. The coach gave me confidence and in the preseason he already gave me stripes and I am very grateful to him. Then came the sprain, which disrupted the plans and made it difficult for me to return. I was limping for almost three months. Luckily in the final stretch I was able to feel important again.
In that period of fewer minutes, the U-21 was a balm for you.
It was very important, I had been unemployed for three months and I was able to recharge my batteries. I scored a brace against Lithuania and that allowed me to return to the club with confidence.
Now he returns to the list, although Spain does not play anything. Is it hard not to think about the holidays?
The National Team is always a showcase and you have to take the games as two great challenges. The shield of Spain cannot be stained by thinking about the holidays.
Do you prefer the playmaker, the band or the midfield?
I feel more comfortable in the attacking midfielder or right winger. At Betis there is a lot of contact with the ball in attack to take advantage of the talent of Fekir and Canales and that also benefits me, I like to associate and have freedom of movement.
At Betis you have the problem of competition. Canales and Fekir are left-footed midfielders like you.
It is a complicated competition, but you learn a lot. I insist that it is the best Betis in history and if that is the case it is because the competition is tough. One has been world champion and the other has played for Madrid and the Absolute. You learn a lot and I want to be like them.
If Ceballos arrives, he will have even more competition.
Playing with players of that level makes you better. In the long run it’s good.
What is your goal for next season?
Continue to grow as a footballer to be like Fekir and Canales and be an idol for Betis, which is what I want.
What has Pellegrini told you about your role in the team?
He values me and I want to continue showing that I deserve that trust.
What has improved the most in the last year?
I am a more mature footballer and I have improved in defense, essential to be at the best level in First Division.