ORn year after debuting with the U21 National Team, Manu Sánchez (Madrid 2000) once again has the trust of Luis de la Fuente. This time he comes with a totally different role. Undisputed holder in Osasuna and being one of the keys to the good trajectory of the Navarrese team in The league, took his opportunity before malt. Keep growing as a footballer in The Sadar, fight for a position in the Athletic, the European of the category and the next Olympic Games are things that go through your head.
- He has returned to the sub 21 a year later.
- I am very happy to return, it is a reward for work and I thank the team because having won so many games has allowed me to be here. Being well this season helps to have these awards.
- How is El Sadar with an audience?
- Playing at El Sadar is crazy. I like very much. The fans do not stop cheering and now the stadium has been very beautiful after the reform. The support of our people shows. We are not having as many victories as we would like, but for example on the day of Rayo, which we won at the end, they did not stop cheering. In the games that we have lost we have noticed the support, it gives a lot of energy.
- You have become a First-class player without an audience, how has the change been?
- My first match with Atlético was against Osasuna at the Wanda with an audience. Then came the pandemic and I have spent a whole season behind closed doors. Inside the field I don’t find out much about what happens outside, you hear the noise and notes that cheer you up or cheer you on. It is something that motivates.
- Did you expect such a good campaign in Osasuna?
- We know that we have a good team and that we are very clear about what we play. Let’s all get together. We have started very well although in the last games it has cost us more to play. The October calendar was more complicated and we have taken important points such as those of Villarreal or the draw at the Bernabéu. You have to be happy. Difficult matches come in November.
- Jagoba is key.
- It has given me a lot of confidence from day one. Both the coaching staff, the players and the club made me feel very supported and in the end, a young player when he arrives new, if they give him confidence, he feels protected and loved, it makes one perform much more. Be comfortable in the field. Jagoba has given me many opportunities and I feel very comfortable.
- Was Osasuna always your first choice?
- I have always had the intention of returning to Osasuna because in the six months of last season I was very happy. I wanted to repeat and I really wanted, I felt that for me it was a great step to continue growing. I am very comfortable in the club. I get along very well with all my teammates and with the coaching staff. I feel his confidence and therefore I trust a lot in myself. It shows on the field for the team and I to perform at our best.
- To the assists he has added the goal against Rayo.
- It was pretty epic and pretty for me. I am not about scoring goals. My last goal was in youth, imagine. I am more about giving assists but that day it was my turn and it was unique, very exciting because it was at the last minute, in El Sadar, winning the game … I hope we can continue to win even if I don’t score or don’t give assists, the important thing is May the team win. If it is in the 90th minute, it gives more satisfaction.
- It’s very offensive
- I know that I am a defender and that the first thing I have to do is defend, but the coach gives me the security and confidence that allow me to go up a lot. When I play with Rubén García and with Darko we understand each other very well and there are always situations in which either inside, outside or rotating the positions between us, I feel very comfortable and confident to be able to arrive and attack. I’m also good defending, we have a great midfield with Lucas or with the centrals, who cover our backs well to the wingers. He recovers well.
- Are you following Atlético?
- Being on loan from them I follow him a lot. I watch their games when our calendar allows it and I am quite attentive to what happens at Wanda.
- Do you see yourself within the system of five defenses that Simeone is now proposing?
- Yes, this year with Jagoba I have already played two lane games. At La Cerámica and at the Bernabéu and I do think I could play there. It is true that I have not played that much but I think that just as Trippier is playing on the right, I could do it on the left. It is true that there are many players who have their place there like Carrasco or Lodi. It is difficult to enter there but if I was given the opportunity, I would be delighted.
- How complicated it is to make the jump to the first team.
- There are good players in all positions. I am focused on Osasuna to do my best, that the team wins and if I can grow and do well for my personal growth and I have to make the leap to Atlético or whatever comes next, then better be prepared.
