Asier Garitano: “Le Normand is a centre-back with a very high level of competition”

Asier Garitano (Bergara, 1969) describes his time at Real as bittersweet. He lasted 17 days in office, but if it wasn’t for him, maybe today we wouldn’t know anything Le Normand, which debuted under his command. Matters of destiny, fickle. Having had several adventures since leaving the Real bench, he attended MD from Tenerife, where he closed the season as a coach, but where the warm and humane treatment of the people made the island a second home.

How was your time in Tenerife?

It’s been good, a really good experience. It’s another story, an island, far away, it’s another way of doing things. I have found a great group of players. In the end, what are the people here, what are the islands, you have to adapt, but the truth is we have been and we are fine and very comfortable.

What did this experience bring you?

Another way to see what people are, we are happy with what we have done. With the idea, the way to build a team with potential in this category. We had a very good start to the season, a good Cup, and then we had a big injury problem. So it’s hard to have a chance to compete with the best. But happy with the treatment, the players and the fans, who always thank us. I have players who, playing in the Second Division, will be in the First Division next year and that for me is a source of satisfaction.

In a category as complex as the Second Division…are you satisfied with the work done?

I still feel that I could have done more, but when you study and see the other teams, you realize that as Tenerife, you have to have less problems than what happened in order to compete. We have 8-9 players out of the competition, almost all potential starters, and that for a squad of 21 players is a lot.

This year you have a former Realista in your squad, Roberto López, how would you rate his season?

Extraordinary. I was lucky to have Robert At Real, he is still young. The level, in terms of quality and potential, is always there, but the habits are not. When he signed for us, my goal and his was to play in the First Division this year. Now he has the habits and talent to play at the highest level.

Go back a bit…How do you remember your time at Real?

A bit bittersweet. That was a while ago, but it was a difficult and strange time. Changing footballers, changing the stadium, young people, the goal of fighting for the Cup Roughly speaking, some things have been achieved, but we want to be better. We spent 17 days with a fibula injury Llorenteanother one of Willian Jose In the early days, the problem of Sangalli, Barrenetxea, coaching staff changes since the beginning…it’s not easy. But it was another great experience where I worked with very professional people. The president had things very clear and it worked out well for them.

You debuted at Le Normand at Real Sociedad, what do you think of his departure from Atlético?

He is the center back of the subsidiary with the best chance of playing in the First Division, especially given his conditions. I was with him in the preseason, how many games he played, I can’t remember if it was three, four or five of those 17 that I coached. He has worked well with Imanol, trained him, and every year he can improve. That’s how it happened. He won the Cup and is now European champion with the Spanish team. He will go to another big club, probably with other goals, but I hope it will go well for him because he is a great person.

What made you trust him and give him a chance?

He is a powerful kid in the race, a winner of duels, he makes the ball come out easy, he understands the game…and most of all: his everyday life. The concentration and the ability to absorb everything the coaches told him. This is what led him to be a starter in this Real team all these years. Now we will see what his level is at Atlético, but he is a kid with a very high level of competition.

Now Pacheco or Jon Martín appear, do you think they can follow in the footsteps of Le Normand?

I know them less, but they are in the best place to play in the First Division, to grow. SA Pacheco I caught him in his first year of youth, far away, but they are at the best possible club.

Do you think Real could use a more veteran profile to strengthen the defence?

Young people are always working for Real. But we are talking about a team that will play three competitions and needs that experience.

He also made his debut for Merquelanz, who is now on a trial basis at Eibar…

He has a lot of potential if he is spared from injuries. I hope he gives a good version, especially how he is as a person, because of everything he gives. May you give the best you have.

And Merino? What do you think?

We are talking about a very high level player. Very high level.

How do you see Imanol? Will it be affected by wear and pressure?

It’s not easy, but I don’t think the pressure will affect him. He has already shown that he can take Real to the top. When you’ve been around for a long time, maybe you have to change little by little: the players, the way you play… but Imanol it has been done. To give you an example, this happened to Simeon at Atlético. This is something that happens to the best coaches.

Now it’s time to take another step in the Europa League, including the final in San Mamés…

I am sure the team will approach it with great ambition. Starting from the board, knowing who they are, always competing. To play in the final in San Mamés is another small motivation, even if the goal is not easy. Knowing their ambition as a club, they will try to do their best in the three competitions.

What do you think Real’s goals should be in the short term?

Get the players from the quarry and give them options in the first team, without forgetting that Real wants to play in Europe every year and for that they need another profile of players who are also very good. He’s had the experience of winning the title, having five great seasons. The goal is to become the recognizable Real, which is very good at playing football, and that football leads to being very competitive.

And in the long run?

It is not simple. Le Normand He went to Atlético, Merino It can come out…that’s what happens with this type of equipment. When circumstances arise in having a good team, it is difficult to have players of the caliber of Merino and Le Normand short term. What people from the outside should do is enjoy everything the team does.

Do you think with the releases that might have been, we’re talking about a cycle change?

On a different level than when I was there, but yes. When I arrived they were fighting for less. With players nearing retirement, as well as a new field that has made it economically difficult to include players signed by Real recently. From a football point of view that’s not good Robin or Merino They left, for example, but Real can now sign good players.

Do you see yourself coaching at Real again one day?

This door is never closed. But it’s complicated, and as I told you, talking about the future is not easy for me. Even less if we talk about football