“I’ve been at my best level since I came to Athletic”

Alex Petxarroman is having more minutes in recent games. The player from San Sebastian replaced the injured Mikel Vesga in the 27th minute of the match against Villarreal, he played his first league game against Celta and played the entire second half in Cádiz. The winger who can also act as a central midfielder ensures he is having his best moments since he came to Athletic, despite the fact that he is suffering a small muscular overload that is doubtful for this Saturday’s clash against Atlético in San Mamés. “The Villarreal game is a step forward for me. I quite enjoyed a few minutes, until then I have not played more than 45. Now I am at a very good level, the best since I came from Donostia “, he said on the program. ‘The Sports Movement’ from Basque wave.

Petxa He has been exercising alone for the last three days, but tomorrow he hopes to work with his colleagues and it will be necessary to see if he is available for Saturday. “It was small. After Cádiz I noticed a hole being charged at me. I worked on the sideline but I don’t take away that tomorrow I will be with the group for the weekend”, he explained.

Gipuzkoan had to adapt to the First Division after playing it last season at Real Sociedad B under Xabi Alonso. He achieved promotion in the SmartBank League but Imanol Sheriff did not rely on him for the first team and he became Athletic’s only signing for the 2021-22 season. “You need an adaptation period. The jump was huge. All I have to do is keep working, studying and improving. Athletic physical demand is very high. It was a difficult but enjoyable process. Now that I am getting more minutes I am extremely proud. I am very happy to be at Athletic, I take it more and more into me and I am more athleticzale ”, he added.

The fact of coming from txuri urdin club does not mean extra effort. “My signing was different. It was viewed with a magnifying glass for being two teams with so much rivalry, but it didn’t get complicated. Ever since I arrived they have treated me like one in the locker room. I’ve been with Zubieta for thirteen years, it’s a bit difficult to adapt, but the club treated me well and it was easy ”, he admitted.

The man from San Sebastian was surprised Sheriff didn’t expect him: “I’m surprised Real didn’t expect me to know that xabi with me till death. Each coach has his or her own taste. Imanol He still believes he is not qualified to play on the first team. I don’t want to think any further. “

Athletic things have changed. Marcellin yes you are given a minute. “I came here to work and make a hole for myself. I have to be grateful for the trust he gave me. It gave me a chance to play in the First Division. I hope to stay here for many years, it will be great news for me, my family and the world ”.

Petxa He joined the general opinion in the locker room for the Asturian to continue on the San Mamés bench. “Of course, I am one of those I want to pursue. I hope he will continue here ”, he acknowledged.

‘2’ can play both winger and midfielder. The Careñes used him in both positions. Where are you more comfortable? “I wouldn’t know how to say it, I have to adapt to both positions. I was as comfortable entering midfield as I was on the sidelines. They are two positions with a certain parallelism, in modern football they are identical ”, he said.

Petxarroman It is clear to him that they must speed up all options to reach seventh place, which will give them the right to play in the Conference League in case Villarreal does not win the Champions League. “We have five finals ahead of us, we have to trust ourselves”, he stated in Basque wave About the remaining matches to end the League 21-22.