The Renaissance man who raised Gran Canaria to tame Tenerife at the last breath. The player from Gran Canaria, 242 duels in yellow, played four classics. He talks about Viera, Aitor Sanz, Ramis and issues a warning looking at the couch. “Beware of over-motivation, the key to success lies in competing calmly.”
The derby of derbies. Tenerife-UD Las Palmas in the promotion. Who will go to the grand final? What match are you waiting for?
It is difficult to know, the dynamics do not count or are worth nothing when the ball rolls in this passionate derby. Plus it’s a playoff, so it has it all. They are unique matches, which accompany you throughout your career. Everything is at 50%. Tenerife is a trade, they know the category very well and I respect Ramis a lot. He has great experience and that is fundamental. I see it as very disputed, but UD can handle ties by being fourth.
Do you consider UD Las Palmas a favorite because of that unbeaten run of eleven games? In addition, the yellows have already beaten ‘Tete’ twice.
Nothing favorite, UD beat him twice but that’s no longer valid. The one who enters as sixth due to that inertia usually ascends. I remember the Córdoba, which came launched and did not appear in the pools. UD has one point more form than the rival, now they are delighting with great football.
Some came to doubt Jonathan Viera. Fourteen goals, captain and the fittest ’21’ in living memory. Are you surprised by his performance?
I know Vera very well. He knew that he could give this level. He started from less to more and has enjoyed continuity at all times. People doubted him, I even heard that he was coming to retire and my goodness… But it’s not just Viera, widen the point of view. Jony has teammates who have contributed goals and genius. UD is not just Viera. Jonathan has burst in at the right moment and the impressive streak. I highlight his ability to score and that touch of fantasy that characterizes him. Years go by and he is still in shape, he is the best in Second.
«Pimienta is always in the background, he does not like to be the protagonist. He is very sensible»
What is Tenerife afraid of?
The strong point of CD Tenerife is the block. They have players like Aitor Sanz who know how to do everything. He is capable of things not happening, of stopping the game. But he also has hot wickers that can act as a shock. Another template. But above all, Tenerife responds very well under pressure. I perceive that they have a great mentality. They are going to have a difficult time with UD. Las Palmas is now in a cloud. Everything works like a charm and you get the most beautiful party. All footballers would kill to play a derby. I will be calm and take the opportunity to analyze the game.
As a slogan: the art of Viera against the chicharrero cement. Magic versus muscle. Does it convince you?
Each formation has its weapons. The key lies in the inside game, if UD manages to filter the passes, we will see a great show.
You scored in the 90th minute to knock down the Teide ogre at the Gran Canaria Stadium in 2013-14 with Lobera. The Vicenzo. Do you still remember it?
Yes, that goal will accompany me all my life. The fans stop me on the street and tell me what they did that day. They cried, laughed, hugged… I spent many years in the stands [pertenecía a Ultra Naciente] and with the passage of time you realize the dimension of a derby. It was the first time that Gran Canaria was filled in the Second Division and I was moved. It meant a lot. That guy has it all.
What has surprised you about Xavi García Pimienta?
He made a good transition from the Mel cycle to the current one. I very sensible, does not like to be the protagonist. He is always in the background. Little by little, he has been instilling his ideas and I find him to be a very interesting guy. He bet on his philosophy and has been brave. When things went wrong, he kept his cool. I think he should be given more credit. In this profession it is important to have a cool head. He imposed the rhythm of his game, alternating inside and outside. He already knows one by heart but then he turns to three or four players and it works for him. He has been able to seat important players and that has to be done. Is not easy. His calm fascinates me, I consider him valid for a long-term project on the Island, beyond what happens in the derby. He is one of the big winners of this campaign.
The Gran Canaria will be full. No tickets. What were the days before the Canarian classics like? Is it better to cloister yourself or enjoy the atmosphere?
It is impossible to abstract from a derby. You go shopping, you go out for a coffee, they ask you for tickets… How to channel those emotions will be essential. You must fight against the pressure, that it does not affect you. Overmotivation is a bad counselor. It is a party to be calm. As Manolo Márquez would say, within the match there are ‘many mini-matches’. It is impossible to be abstracted. Friends call you and ask you to empty yourself. Since childhood you dream of this. It is a special game and it marks you forever.
