The former Real Madrid player, now the coach of Marbella FC, will watch Saturday’s match from the stands, eager to put on his boots. We spoke with him ahead of the cup clash against Atlético Madrid, and it’s clear that enthusiasm is running high. This meeting is full of history, full of emotion, and announces a promising future for a Marbella team which believes in its chances.
Question : How does Esteban Granero, the institutional leader of the club, experience the days preceding such an important match for your Marbella?
Answer : The city is very excited, the team too, because they are not used to matches of this magnitude against such prestigious rivals, especially in an atmosphere like the one expected at La Rosaleda, which will be packed. This will create a truly special ambiance. At the club we are delighted for several reasons: firstly, because the team has earned the right to experience this day as a celebration of Football for Malaga, and secondly, because all the preparations for the match have proven to be wise decisions .
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We tried to make this match an event that everyone can attend, with very affordable prices. Málaga CF season card holders also benefit from discounts on tickets, while Marbella season card holders can attend for free. It’s a commitment to bringing this game closer to everyone, and I think it’s been a success; the enthusiasm has spread throughout the province and we expect a full house in La Rosaleda.
Q : So La Rosaleda will be Marbella tonight?
AND : It’s incredibly exciting to see that all the efforts have paid off and, of course, all of Malaga will be there to support us.
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Q : As a former professional player, does Esteban Granero want to put on the jersey again?
AND : For me, it’s magnificent. I had the chance to experience these matches on the pitch for many years. I have a particular affection for the Cup; it’s a unique tournament where small teams can achieve big things. I felt the pain of a Real Madrid defeat against Alcorcón as well as a final against Getafe. It’s definitely a special tournament that I enjoyed as a player. Now I am proud to see how Marbella players have earned the right to play this match and how eager they are to compete and, of course, win it. We know that the opponent is favorite and of higher level, but if there is one thing that the cup teaches us, it is that in a single match anything can happen. The boys are good players and are ready to fight.
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Q : What future for Marbella FC?
AND : The idea for Marbella has always been the same from the beginning: a bold ambition to access professional football and to have an image worthy of the city it represents while being ambitious on a sporting level. Yes, it is true that we have encountered challenges; COVID hit us hard and the restructuring of the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) put us in a very difficult position, but we always kept the same mindset and vision. Achieving two consecutive promotions is historic for the city and very rare in football, and we now continue in 1 RFEF with the same mentality of looking upwards and moving forward with the awareness that football has an element of chance and that the patience is necessary. We have long-term goals as well as short-term goals that guide the path we want to follow.
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Q : What is your opinion on the current state of youth football in Spain, and more specifically in Marbella?
AND : In general, youth football is becoming more and more important and professionalized, due to increasing competition and the influx of players from other teams. It is crucial to train players on site. In our case, at Marbella FC, we are committed to youth football, collaborating with other clubs in Marbella and the region, providing financial support to ensure that we have the best resources for our youth sector. Our youth team belongs to the highest national category, which is the Division of Honor, where it competes with the best academies in Andalusia; our cadet team is also in the honor division. We therefore believe that this is the right path to develop our professional team with players from our training center. I’m really excited about what’s going to happen this Saturday; having been in this position myself, seeing how other players are in this position and can enjoy a unique and important match is what gives me the most satisfaction.
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