It’s been an exciting start to the season for Athletic Bilbao. We caught up with Dani Garcia for his thoughts – including that upset over Barcelona.
Question: That victory over FC Barcelona, decided like that with that late goal, what did it mean to all of you?
Answer: Listen, the fixtures are released and the first game is against Barça. Everyone says it’s a complicated start. Now our morale is sky high after beating the reigning LaLiga champions.
Q: That goal by Aduriz, the beauty of it, the timing… Is it all the more special for all of you and for him seeing as it’s his final year with the team?
A: Yes, listen, I think it was a special moment for everyone. Both for him, coming on and scoring that goal, and for the team that pushed forward in that minute. And now we know that it’s difficult for them to get to us if we sit back and defend. It’s the first time I’ve beaten Barça and it was really exciting for me. And I think for him to score that goal, even more so.
Q: What was your take on the move?
A: It was a typical move of ours from a throw-in. And listen, a precise cross and an incredible strike. Since I’ve known Adu, since I came to the Basque Country to train, right away we practised crosses and shots and I was amazed at his finishing. And I think you see him putting the ball away in every training session… We’re not surprised that he scored that goal.
Q: In theory it was a difficult run of fixtures to start. As you were saying, Barcelona, Getafe, Real Sociedad. Did you put an emphasis on starting the season well, knowing that the poor start last season affected the rest of the campaign?
A: Yes, last year, when we were here in Lezama we didn’t suffer because were working together and all that. But then off the pitch you do suffer from that bad run. They’re tough times for everyone, both for us and our families, and I think that because we had that bad run, we want to up the intensity during the start of this season and try to get as many points as we can to set the tone for the year. I don’t think anyone likes going through tough times and I think it’s taught us a lesson.
Q: Since Gaizka Garitano has arrived the group dynamic has been very good, especially at home. You know each other really well, you made history at Eibar. You want to do the same at Athletic… What’s so special about that relationship, both on and off the pitch, between Gaizka and you?
A: I think that what makes it special is the confidence he has to tell me things and vice versa. If he had to put his faith in other players, I don’t think there would be a problem. He’s putting his faith in me. I’m very grateful and trying to pay him back with hard work. Also, I think Gaizka is, in his own words, a defensive coach. He likes order. I think that order is good for us. We want to use a high press too and to see if we can do it for 90 minutes and not just 45 or 60.
Q: Looking at your career, which is following a path shared with Ander Capa, with Yuri… also from Eibar, with Gaizka. Along that path you’re following in football, is it satisfying to have people you trust and who are your friends accompanying you down the same path?
A: Yes, I think I’m thrilled with the people I share a dressing room with. But also with the teammates who have come from Segunda B and Segunda to the First Division and there’s a continuity. Morales, Jota, who’s at Aston Villa, Raul Navas, Lillo, I don’t know… There are lots of us players from that year who have pushed our way into the top flight and you can see that promotion was no fluke.
Q: What does Gaizka Garitano give you? In terms of football, on a personal level…
A: More than anything, hard work. I think that defensive organisation has been key. We have one of the best defences in the top flight, with some top-class centre-backs. I think we need to make the most of that. When we keep a clean sheet, we get really good results. We know we struggled away from home last year. Let’s see if we can turn that around this year.
Q: What objectives are you setting yourself in terms of football for this season?
A: More than anything, as I said, last year everything was new for me. I think I’ve had a year to learn at Athletic and have to step it up a level compared to last year. I didn’t at Eibar and now I hope I can here.
Q: And generally, in terms of your own objectives?
A: No, listen, I’m an ambitious guy and I think it’s important to show ambition in life. But you also have to realise that LaLiga is a long haul and if you make a positive start, you’ll set yourself different goals than if you start like we did last year.
Q: A dream yet to come true in football?
A: Playing in Europe. Last year was a huge blow, because I’m one of the players in this dressing room who hasn’t played in Europe and I’m really eager to. Not just for me to play in Europe, but for my family and my girlfriend to come to watch me play somewhere else. Reaching the top… It’s not just Europe. If we reached the final of the Copa del Rey, that would be a dream come true for me. We’re going to fight for it.
Be the first to comment