“Imanol squeezes me so much and I like that”

Benat Turrientes (Beasain, 2002) was registered in LaLiga as a first team player yesterday, minutes before chatting with MD. So maybe he couldn’t remove the smile from his face (which was normal for him on the other hand) and he had a certain sparkle in his eyes, remembering his father, who died, who always encouraged him and excited him also about it. moment With so many games and a media payroll that isn’t too high, this is their season. And he takes it naturally.

Beñat Turrientes, Real first team player. Finally you can say, how do you feel?

Very good. I’m so happy. Since I entered Zubieta at the age of 11, I dreamed of this day, to be given the first team number, to make my debut. I thank the club for putting so much trust in me over the years, they have treated me very well. And the family. for everyone

Is this what you always wanted?

Definitely. I entered Zubieta in the children’s, I went through the categories surrounded by friends who stayed in the crowd, with the goal of getting here and living. Now it’s time to have fun. But the hardest thing doesn’t come, it stays.

They just signed you for the first team, what do you think?

I do not know. Friends of the town sent me a message telling me that they registered me with the number of the first team. Very happy. That’s the idea. Olabe and Robert Navarro told us that they trusted us and now, to prove it on the pitch.

Have they been told they can back out to leave the token with another reinforcement?

No, what’s up? The plan was to wear the first team number from day one and it didn’t change, even when the market was open.

And now? Is that waiting?

I’m really looking forward to it. We see that Real is growing year by year as a team. We are in three competitions to compete to the maximum. We have an amazing team and it’s going to be a learning year.

There is another place in the ‘eleven’ with the imposition of a diamond, do you see yourself with more options there?

With the change from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 with a diamond, our middles are able to handle the ball more and have more possession. Training and playing next to midfielders like Silva or Merino is a joy, I learn every day. And yes, since we are playing another medium, there are more options to play with.

They just signed a midfielder, Brais, do you consider it a sign of trust?

The signings they made are more attacking and that’s where they trust us.

What is Beñat Turrientes?

I am a very normal person. I am from Beasain, from a small town and I have been here for many years. I’m a very happy person, I’m always smiling. And I really want to start this adventure with the first team.

What can you contribute to this talented midfielder?

The first thing I should do is learn from them, every advice they give me, imitate their actions. I’ll give mine in defense and in attack. The coach puts a lot of pressure on me defensively, he tells me that to be elite you have to be good at everything. I want to make my colleagues better and for them to make me better.

What is your forte?

My forte is long passes and shooting at goal, although I don’t score many goals. I try a lot.

Do you like to order?

In the middle it is mandatory to send and even the whole game speaks. Until now I was a very good player at all; but Imanol and Xabi Alonso told me that I have to talk to my teammates, that I have to get stripes. Yes, I’m good, but I’m changing, I’m trying to be more aggressive, stronger in duels.

What is your favorite place?

The one inside left. I prefer that position, but I have played as a ‘4’, ‘8’ and midfielder and the desire and motivation is the same. No one takes them from me.

What does it mean to play with a legend like Silva?

Playing with Silva was a dream come true. I saw him win the European Championships and a World Cup on TV and suddenly to be able to talk to him, train with him and get advice from him is something wonderful. I have been learning from him since day one. He gives me a lot of advice, like Illarra and Merino. They treated us climbers super well.

Is Imanol squeezing him?

Yes, from day one. And I like that. It never lets you rest. Being 100% in every exercise will let you see where your limit is. Imanol hugged me and I thanked him.

What do you struggle with the most?

On the defensive side. Be strong in duels, go into the clash without fear.

Did someone get angry at you?

Yes Yes. They always fall. But he doesn’t do it maliciously. This is for you to plug and fix later. I like this.

How did you get to Zubieta in the first place?

I was in the fry in Beasain, I played the League there, but I came on Wednesday to train at Real. No team, just training and tournament. And one night they called my parents that Real signed me. I remember very well. She didn’t stop crying.

And your first day at Zubieta?

I am 11 years old. It was a different world. I’m used to being in Beasain with my friends in life and coming here with different footballers from Donostia, from all the towns of Gipuzkoa and Iparralde is a change, but it’s very good. My people are wonderful people. I learned a lot. Thanks to them I am here too.

Who was your first coach?

Jon Aztiria. It’s like Imanol, very demanding, shouting. With Gajate second.

Has Athletic arrived for Turrientes?

Yes. The representative told me once that they asked about me, but the truth is that he is not interested in anything other than Real. People like Luki (Iriarte) and Olabe gave me confidence and treated me very well from day one. I am always from Real.

Is it ‘realzale’ from the crib?

Yes, we are always from Beasain and Real. It is true that, before arriving, there was a time when I liked Messi’s Barça. But my team is Real.

Who planted it on him?

The father, of course. He is a Beasain player and he is first of all Beasain, but also a part of Real. He took me to Anoeta to watch the match and he always told me he was going to Atotxa to cheer as well. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this moment with me. He instilled football and the Real in me, I used to play with him in the park from a very young age and he was the most excited to see me play in Anoeta. But surely, wherever he is, he sees me and is very proud.

Which coaches have most influenced your growth?

I have been many. I learned a lot from Xabi Alonso during his two years at Sanse. He was a world top player playing as a midfielder, which is my position, and he has the most advice for me when it comes to long passes, being oriented in the middle… Imanol is the one who squeezes me the most and helps me a lot. I am very grateful.

What was your happiest day at Real?

The one in the debut as a starter against Elche, in the League and with the whole Anoeta. This was my dream when I got here. I played 80 very, very good minutes, I felt great, calm, one of the best I’ve ever played. I’m tired, but the win and the ovation I got will never be forgotten.

And now what are you dreaming of?

For being a Real player and having a great year. And enjoy the years I have left here. I want to grow as a player and as a person.

On Saturday, Atlético and on Thursday, Old Trafford…

La Real has shown these years that it can compete in LaLiga against the best and in Europe. It was a dream come true for me to play against these teams and travel to those historic fields.

You have a contract until 2027, does this give you peace of mind?

Yes, I renewed this year. They trusted me and bet on me. I have no idea to go out. To make the most of every opportunity.

What do your Beasain colleagues tell you?

My colleagues are the best. They are always there to help me. They encourage me in difficult times. When I play good games, they always congratulate me, although there are rude people who always say something to me (laughs).

Have they given you a nickname in the locker room?

Elus called me ‘ituraraspi’. But they call me ‘Turri’ or Beñat. The atmosphere is beautiful.

Do you live here in Donostia?

Yes, this year I rented a flat to see what it’s like to live alone. I used to come every day from Beasain, some days twice and now I am comfortable. Sometimes I miss the town and the friends.