Calero: “Espanyol was made to be in the First Division”

Converted to defensive fence of RCD Espanyol in the last games and convinced that, despite the setback suffered by Carlos Tartiere, the dream of promotion is still possible. This is how it came Fernando Calero (Boecillo, 09/14/1995) until Sunday’s final, where “everything will break” in Cornellà-El Prat, said the center-back, knowing the simplicity of the equation against Real Oviedo. “With one victory we are in the First Division.”

How are the spirits after the defeat in Oviedo?

With so much enthusiasm, I can see the team being so involved, excited and eager to bring it back.

What reading did they do in the locker room of that game?

We all have in mind that with one victory we will be in the First Division. Let’s not go into the fact that we lost there. I think we played a serious game, focused. Yes, it is true that we lost 1-0, but we have forgotten that. We know that success gives us that dream.

Do you think, especially in the second half, you will notice Oviedo’s extra day off?

Talking to some colleagues, and myself, I think. From minute 60-70 onwards we arrived a bit weak. Reviewing the game a little bit, I think we were better in the first half, but we knew what the schedule was and we couldn’t do anything.

The goal comes with an abnormal action. How do you remember him?

Yes, it was a cross from a lateral foul and I think Joan did the right thing: she was trying to block but when she saw it was going towards the goal, she took it out and caught us all slightly behind.

Will this affect Joan García’s confidence on Sunday?

I told him, not now, always, that it was incredible. He is a great goalkeeper, he is the future of Spain and we will see. It doesn’t have to affect you at all.

How many years have you been with him in the dressing room? Are you surprised by your level in recent months?

No, because I have known him for a long time and I know where he will end up if injuries allow him. He is spectacular, he is the player with the most present and future and it doesn’t hurt me to say it because that’s how it really is.

And the rumors about Real Madrid?

We want him to be here for as many years as possible, but it doesn’t surprise me that the big ones in Europe are taking notice of him.

You have once again succeeded at a high level in Oviedo.

I’m in a good moment of form. It’s a tough second round, I was injured for almost four months and now I’m back and I want to give my best.

A season of many ups and downs. How do you value it on a personal level?

I started with a good time, I did a good first lap and as a result of this injury it was difficult for me to recover. But, luckily, I reached the last stage of this season very well and I hope we can confirm it in the promotion.

Is he in his best moment since he arrived at Espanyol?

I think I play very well, although I have done them before. But now there is a greater focus and another version of me is visible.

In Manolo, defensive improvement was seen.

We feel very strong, we all take a step forward: goalkeepers, defenders and the forwards help us a lot by hitting a very high block. We must continue like this.

More expensive is the goal.

We have the ‘Pichichi’ of the category, Puado has scored a lot of goals… It is true that in the playoffs the difference is very small. Oviedo and Eibar also tied 0-0 in the first leg. Everything is solved by details and we want these details to fall on our side.

Will what happens on Sunday affect your future at the club?

I’m calm, but it’s true that what we all want, and me on a personal level, is to play in the First Division. And this is the way.

Is this the most important game of your career?

I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I’ve already had two promotions in my career, but on a personal level I’m taking this as the grand finale and I just think it’s going to be great.

What differences did you see compared to the previous promotion?

The promotion period with Espanyol was a bit more eventful. We’ve been in a direct promotion position all season, this time with a bit more ups and downs. We haven’t left the playoffs yet but we are further away from the first and second positions. But I think since the end of the Amorebieta game we know that you can get promoted in the playoffs and it’s even better than being promoted directly. I can see that enthusiasm in the locker room.

And the most important to the club in the ‘Cornellà era’?

If only. In the end this club was made to be in the First Division and this is where all the players want to return it. We have already seen a great turnaround from the fans in the game against Sporting and this one, as far as I can tell, will definitely not disappoint and it will be a spectacle.

Much has been said about the environment that existed in Tartiere. What are you waiting for here?

There was a fantastic atmosphere in both Tartiere and Molinón. We have it at home too. I think this one is going to break everything because it is the last one, we are all at risk, the fans are with us and we are with them.

What do you say to parakeet hobbyists?

Let the 90 minutes encourage us, that the game is very long, that anything can happen but with a victory we are in the First Division. From minute 1 to 90 we will fight it out.

The vice president of the Real Oviedo supporters clubs said that “our illusion is not the same as yours. “We are in Barcelona and it looks like a cemetery.”

We just focus on our work. Our priority was to promote directly, this was not achieved but people changed their chip very quickly. We are focused on the playoffs and we are all super excited. We know we can achieve it.

Who will be in the stands on Sunday?

I will have my family and children and I want to give them joy. We will all have the support of the public, which is the most important thing.

How has your life been these past few days?

I feel so relaxed. I don’t think we should put more stress on this than the game itself, which is ultimately very important. But being overmotivated can play tricks on you.

Do you maintain that relaxation on game day?

You have to go with your head. No matter what happens, whether we start with a win, a draw or a loss, we have to focus on the game plan. This is the only way to get it out.

A promise in case of promotion.

I’ve been promoted twice and I haven’t done anything special. The best thing is being able to celebrate with your teammates and fans.