21.01.2008 12:02
“All the objectives are achievable”
Roger Bogunyà
In an exclusive interview with Barça TV, José Manuel Pinto told us: “If the team continues improving as we are at the moment, all the objectives are achievable”. However, he insisted that it would be wrong to get obsessed about them.
Relaxed and sure of himself, just as he is in goal, José Manuel Pinto discusses his first
experiences with the Barça squad and reviews the team’s objectives for the season.
What does it mean to you to play for Barça?
“For me, being a Barça player is a big responsibility because I’m joining one of
the most important clubs in the world and, as such, that implies an added responsibility. I’m
really excited and have an even bigger desire to help. I think that representing a club like FC
Barcelona is a great responsibility”.
It must be a big change in your life: moving from the club you’re identified with to
a new team, one of the big names; from the Second to the First Division.
“For me this change is still happening. I’m still settling
in because I’ve just arrived. But above all it means leaving behind some great longstanding
team-mates, and fans who have given me a lot of affection, fans that will always stay with me. But
of course I have to look out for myself and every player wants to evolve. I think it’s a
great opportunity to keep on growing in my career. I couldn’t let it pass me by”.
If Jorquera hadn’t got injured you wouldn’t have joined Barça. How do you think
your career would have gone?
“It’s difficult to know. There are so many paths to choose from. Each path takes
you to a different objective. I think it’s difficult to know what I would have done. If only
I could read the future and know – I’d devote myself to doing the pools”.
What are you expecting from Barça, given that Valdés has been the first choice keeper for
five years?
“The first thing is to adapt as quickly as possible,
which I think is the most important thing right now. I’m really looking forward to doing my
bit for the team. If we all do our bit, we can achieve great things. I’m totally committed to
the Club and to working hard, which is my main virtue. Hard work and more hard work: that’s
what has brought me here. I’m one of those people who believe that hard work bears fruit.
With hard work and commitment, let whatever has to happen, happen”.
You won the Zamora Trophy (for fewest league goals conceded) in the 2005/06 season and
Valdés won it last year. What do you think about having two top-notch goalkeepers in Barça?
“I think it’s not just the goalkeepers – every part of
the Barça team is at a high standard. Barça has great players that, if you look at them one by one,
have enormous quality. For me it’s an opportunity to learn from the virtues of these
team-mates because you never stop learning no matter how old you are. As for the goalkeepers in
particular, I think it’s a guarantee for the fans because they can say: “The goal is
well covered”.
Imagine it’s 30th June when your loan deal expires. What would you like to happen
then?
“That’s difficult. I like to live for the day. A lot can happen between now and
then and right now I’d like to enjoy and savour the moment. My wish is that, in the end, my
work is rewarded”.
When your name was first mentioned, you received a variety of praise from former managers
and team-mates. How would you describe yourself?
“First of all I’d say that you like to hear that people were
happy with your work. I’d describe myself as a person who gives 100% all the time, regardless
of whether it turns out good or not. That’s the basis of my work. There’ll be ups and
downs, of course, but my way of working and my motivation will never change. Another of my virtues,
to my way of thinking, is that I’m an agile goalkeeper, and I would also highlight my
capacity for sacrifice”.
You coincided with Sylvinho at Celta. Has he given you any advice?
“Yes. Like the good friend he is, he’s already offered to
help me in any way I need. He’s got a big heart and undeniable sporting quality. I was lucky
enough to coincide with him in Vigo. But let me repeat: perhaps people don’t realise what a
nice person he is and what a marvellous family he’s got. It’s a pleasure to meet a
person like that”.
What should be Barça’s objectives this season?
“At this moment in time we shouldn’t rule out any objective but neither should we
get obsessed. If you get obsessed you create anxiety, which isn’t positive. You have to keep
on doing things right and continue the team’s current improvement. If we do that, all the
objectives are achievable”.
Tell us about the number 13 shirt that you’ll wear at Barça and which you wore at
Celta, and which you’ve also got tattooed on your left arm.
“It’s a number that’s always been significant. There
have been times when - on the 13th of the month, or on matchday 13, or something to do with the
number 13 - something important has happened in my life. Many people reject it because of
superstition but it’s a number I love. I even choose it in the Andalus team”.