Just moments before starting to teach his class to future coaches in the Galician Football Federation and almost 24 hours before facing a match that will be, no matter what happens, living history for Pontevedra and the city, Santiago 'Yago Iglesias' (Palmeira, 1982) picks up the phone to answer AS. The teacher-coach of the maroon team, elevated to trending topic in the 2nd RFEF for a proposal of his kind Backed by bravery and offensive football, it not only leaves lessons in the classrooms.
Also on the grass and in the Copa del Rey, where the maroon team is on the verge of shattering its glass ceiling in the KO tournament, the quarterfinals (1964-65 and 1966-67 season), after leaving on the way to a Second Division, Levante (4-1), and two First Divisions, Villarreal (1-0) and Mallorca (3-0), current runner-up. From surprise to 'giant killers'. The 'haiqueroelomania' has returned.
What's in the locker room?
The word is illusion. With the pride of having made it this far and with the hope of being able to live another magical night, like the three we have already enjoyed. Here we continue, giving something to talk about.
Something will have changed after those three historic nights you mention…
No, we continue the same, with our idea that the Copa del Rey is an addition, and that the important thing is the League. However, there is no doubt that the Cup is exciting. It has, if possible, awakened the city and the fans even more. We have made people want to see Pontevedra not only in Galicia, but throughout Spain. We are aware of this, but without believing ourselves to be what we are not. We continue to be a Second RFEF team with the clear objective of making the club grow and be in another category next year. We are excited and proud, but in terms of game approaches and analysis of the rival, we will always see it from below.
Fifteen consecutive games without losing, with only two draws…
Many games are from our category. The team is competing very, very well in Pasarón and, speaking in Copa terms, is faithful to its idea and the football we play in the League. What draws the most attention about this Pontevedra, and what the fans are most proud of, is how: playing face to face against any team.
Whatever happens against Getafe, do you consider that they have already made history?
Yes. Pontevedra has only played in a few quarterfinals many years ago. Obviously, we would love to pass this round, but every time you advance the rivals increase their level. We have a very high-level rival. If we don't pass, we will be tremendously proud. Furthermore, this experience is helping us to strengthen what we do in the League. Far from making us think things that are not, it is strengthening the team and the players, who are participating in both competitions.
How do you manage a wardrobe that is not as qualitatively deep as that of a First Team?
As we can (laughs). We have 19 players and we have to manage the minutes according to what is happening and what comes, but always bringing out the most competitive eleven. Many players will have to repeat and play three games. However, when the referee whistles, there is no longer physical or mental fatigue. It's just competing.
What is the game plan and where could the key be?
I have it and we are very clear about it. Getafe knows what we are going to do because we are a team that always plays the same and we are not going to change our model or philosophy to face a First Division team. We will adapt to certain things that we believe they do, either to surprise them or to defend better. The game will be in the areas. But the only thing that is always asked of the team is to be themselves and to be brave. From there, the key will be to take advantage of our moments in the game and minimize Getafe's qualities.
In the previous qualifying rounds we had the surprise factor. It may be that a First Division team does not come out as focused as it should against a rival three categories below. However, Mallorca and Getafe are something else. They are very competitive teams, both for the coach and the players. We didn't pass any qualifying rounds by chance; we have passed three. For this reason, Getafe will come very plugged in and with very clear ideas. Of all the eliminators, this is the most difficult. There is no longer a surprise factor and, because of what we have done, Getafe will have noticed us a little more.
He declared himself a follower of Guardiola's football proposal. What would you take from Bordalás?
The competitiveness of their teams. Bordalás achieves very high performance from the organization. It is said that their teams are very intense and defensive, but offensively they also do many things. At a collective level, both in attack and defense, their teams are very well worked. They make things difficult for any rival in First Division. Even when they play against Getafe, the rivals have a very bad time.
Getafe is the fourth best defense in Europe.
That's what the numbers say. I didn't know that information, but it speaks very well of the work of the coach and the team. I hope tomorrow everything turns out the way we want because it is going to be tremendously difficult.
Coba da Costa knows what it is like to handle himself in the Second RFEF with Conquense and now aspires to ownership. Which Getafe players are the most differential?
Coba, Uche, because of their physique, are fast players. Also the quality of Milla. They are totally differential footballers in the First Division.
Pontevedra also has quality players, such as Yelko Pino or Dalisson, whose goal against Mallorca turned Spain around…
It is true that our players are attracting a lot of attention. We have individual quality, but we cannot compare ourselves with top-level players or teams. The Spanish First Division is one of the best leagues in the world.
Any challenges in the locker room?
No. We live the Cup day by day, round by round. We have not set a specific goal of reaching such a round. We are enjoying every game. If we started to think further or make assumptions, we would lose the focus that has brought us here: living it game by game. Illusion, that's the word.
No pressure, but I imagine it will be annoying to be on the verge of a double elimination in stadiums like Santiago Bernabéu, Metropolitano or Montjuïc.
It would be spectacular, brutal. Passing this qualifying round and another would be to make history and obtain a spectacular prize. Right now, thinking about that is science fiction. Facing teams like Villarreal, Levante, Mallorca or Getafe is already a semi-final for us
That dream derby against Celta gets complicated
The truth is that yes. The hype doesn't want it. As they say in the locker room, jokingly: “Well, nothing, we'll have to go through another round to see if that derby falls or if we get a big one.” We are engaging people. We know that audiences will come from Galicia and abroad. It is a pride to experience these types of matches
Are you still signing up to be promoted to Primera RFEF instead of reaching, hypothetically, the semi-finals?
Yes, I'm still signing the promotion. It would be the jackpot of the season.
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