The arrival of Marcelino has allowed him to start again with Athletic. Iñigo Lekue (Bilbao, 05-04-1993) had a bad time in the previous two seasons and during the first section of this one. He even considered the possibility of a change of scene. Now, however, he has minutes on the green again and triumphs with the ‘Orsai’ group out.
What do you think of the one that has been mounted with the possibility that there would be an audience in the final?
We have always wanted people to enter, but as things are, it is logical that everyone's safety is guaranteed a little.
Holder in Vigo!
And against Granada. I had not been a starter for a long time, but since the coach (Marcelino) has come, he has given me confidence and minutes little by little. After the Cup titles, the League titles give me confidence to continue.
The truth is that in the previous two seasons he had played very little.
With Berizzo I just got injured after the first league game and it was a long and serious injury. It was difficult for me to return, I continued to have a serious discomfort and I had surgery on my back again. Last season, among some things or others and that the coach did not count on me either, the truth is that I did not participate much. You never have to lower your arms. So far I have reversed the situation a bit.
Side, interior … If you are given a choice, which position would you choose?
The usual thing is to say that where the coach puts me, but I am able to adapt to both positions and in both bands in the same way. These last two titles have been one on the right wing and the other on the left. I could not tell. You try to conform.
What has changed at Lekue since the coach change?
Since the coach has come, I feel that he is counting on me, that he gives me opportunities, that I enter that wheel where I was not before. My situation has changed.
Is Marcelino as strict with the weight issue as they say?
I am thin and I usually maintain myself (laughing). He gives importance to weight, like everything. Since it arrived, they have taught us another type of nutrition, another method of weight bearing. They like to be on top of us. For the moment adapting because the coach and the “high school” say that this is a process. They are introducing us their little pills and their methods little by little.
Then they would toast with water when they won the Super Cup.
No man no. Things, serious. When a title is won, it is provided in conditions. Toasting with water is also bad luck (jokes).
Were you evaluating the possibility of leaving Athletic before Marcelino's arrival?
There was the possibility of going out in the winter market and I thought so because of the trajectory of recent years with Gaizka. Without him I was not counting minutes and if between him, the club and I we could see that he still needed an exit … If I got to consider it, but coincidence in that impasse in which we would have to sit down to assess that decision, Marcelino arrived and no more token was moved.
So, let me joke, he stayed because his colleagues from ‘Orsai’ prevented him, right?
They appreciated it very much (laughing). Just with the renovations of Balen, Demar and Vesga we already said “one more year” to continue playing together. This, of course, will have an end because sadly we will have to separate in sports due to the difference in ages and contracts.
And can't it be the other way around, that they have to leave football to dedicate themselves to music?
If we hit more balls, yes (more laughter). You still have to call me then to do a music interview.
Let's talk about soccer for now. Did Athletic think about the Cup in Vigo?
Honestly no. At the moment we continue to think about the games we have in the League because we believe, and that is how the coach has made us believe, that in the end we have to focus on the day-to-day, not obsess over the finals, or look further. Now it's Eibar, now it's time to focus on the League.
Watch out for Eibar, then!
They are in a difficult situation, but no game is easy in the First Division. We do our thing. To have good feelings to rest well and prepare for what is coming.
Are you aware that what comes to Athletic is very strong?
One final now and another in fifteen days; but honestly, I'm thinking about it now while you're asking me. The best option is day by day and think no further because a busy April is coming.
Is Athletic more ambitious since Marcelino arrived?
I don't know if we are more ambitious now and less before. I don't appreciate that. The mentality of the team has always been a winner. This coach tries to convey tranquility every day. He is very convinced that with his method and his ways we are going to win games, this is what he tries to make us see and instill in us. We try to adapt and at the moment very happy.