00:00:03: Welcome to this podcast.

00:00:14: Waterpolo Expert Talk, get the insights!

00:00:32: Yeah so we continue with next episode of The Waterpola Expert Talk Podcast.

00:00:37: and yeah today we have another thrilling very interesting partner here in the podcast and guest, Unai.

00:00:46: So welcome to the podcast.

00:00:48: And yeah, so thanks for joining.

00:00:50: It's maybe also not an easy period to get some guests here on board due all the tournaments going around in preparation of the seasons for each of the clubs.

00:01:00: So thank you for joining and at very beginning it is upto-you!

00:01:05: I wanted to give a bit over to you just for your sort introduction of yourself.

00:01:10: ok

00:01:10: first off its a pleasure.

00:01:14: I'm Unai Lemma.

00:01:15: Right now, I am twenty years old and for the last... I don't know, fourteen years have been playing water polo in Barceloneta And now this upcoming season is going to be played in Duisburg.

00:01:29: It's a new journey so i'm really excited about it!

00:01:33: I can wait until i get to Germany and start learning my culture My new team mates and see what the future wait for me.

00:01:44: Yeah, so you already mentioned that your joining to Germany which is a little nice let's say fun fact because... Your name was dropped by another teammate from Barcelona.

00:01:58: it wasn't really first intentioned get here in the podcast but hey!

00:02:05: It's a nice benefit.

00:02:10: Yeah, so you already mentioned that you joined the water polo as sport really in Barcelona and played for Barcelona a couple of years.

00:02:21: Maybe you can give us some more information about the very beginning?

00:02:24: So do you remember the first time you got in touch with Water Polos?

00:02:29: because I think in Barcelona it's not easy to get into touch with them?

00:02:34: Actually i started playing due my brother My brother started playing water polo there in Barcelona.

00:02:42: And so I went just behind him, you know?

00:02:45: I was like starting learning how to swim first and as soon as iIwas old enough To grab the ball they Just put me on The team and i started Playing.

00:02:55: and yeah of course my First memories Of what their polo is just watching my brothers game Just maybe not knowing Still What it Was but just Watching Him Watching and Learning How to play.

00:03:07: And as the years went by, I started to just thinking wow.

00:03:12: This is maybe this for me you know?

00:03:14: I'm like really enjoying these and having a nice time... ...I love being in the pool.

00:03:19: so that's yeah since i was five.. ..i start playing until now!

00:03:28: Until now yes or it's really let say totally different.

00:03:33: Let's say atmosphere, landscape and environment when you compare a juice book to Barcelona.

00:03:43: So maybe for the most kids or young players as such in the water polio community it is really then the highest level of water polo to play there And You Play There & Leave There Yeah.

00:03:57: So it's maybe then a little bit strange for somebody who was really reaching to go to Barcelona and you were saying, okay I'm coming from Barcelona would like to see something different?

00:04:09: Go Germany For example.

00:04:11: yeah so at the moment do we understand these little thoughts or concerns

00:04:17: of

00:04:17: this people?

00:04:18: Of course in my situation i think everyone wants to blame.

00:04:25: in Barcelona, especially right now after we won the Champions League and were maybe at top of the sport.

00:04:31: In a club level you know?

00:04:33: But honestly my situation may be.

00:04:36: I thought for my career... The best move was to go play so that i could get more minutes or playing time which would give me experience to maybe, I don't know someday come back and have a bigger role in the team.

00:04:57: And play an important part you know which is... In the end it's what i want!

00:05:01: It's what would love.

00:05:03: so Maybe because of that?

00:05:05: I'm moving into Germany.

00:05:06: and also when he came out.. He thought was great opportunity for me Because its different country Change the where I was.

00:05:20: I wanted to just, you know get to know something new and also play at The in a European level Also which is burgies.

00:05:30: so i think it's uh I'm really looking forward to it.

00:05:34: Yeah, so at least... So you're in the age range let's say that way beginning of a senior career maybe?

00:05:45: To see something different like Barcelona and then move to Germany who knows what future will bring than go back to Italy or Spain.

00:05:59: If I understand it correctly, so the main point is really to get more time to play.

00:06:06: More opportunities to grow and then maybe in a future you already mentioned... Maybe then the past goes back to Barcelona with the advantage of having these kinds of experiences than from other stations?

00:06:23: Exactly!

00:06:26: officially three years with the Barcelona senior team.

00:06:30: And at first, when I went from junior level to the senior team was like okay maybe we're a sixteen-fifteen group guys, fifteen players in the team which is only thirteen.

00:06:46: then now fourteen players just playing game.

00:06:48: so i'm more of reserve guy.

00:06:51: but the thing it's practicing with top guys for sport Every day and I'm learning a lot from them just from each one of them.

00:07:00: So me that's what i was looking for at the moment, you know like maybe Give more importance to the everyday things.

00:07:07: I could learn From them instead of playing a lot Of minutes or a lot of playing time in Maybe uh on another club which could give Me those minutes.

00:07:16: so but yeah after The years went by now with twenty years old?

00:07:22: Uh, I think There's may be Nothing else I could learn from that side.

00:07:28: And maybe what i need to learn now is the, What I gained from experience of playing.

00:07:33: So thats basically what was looking for.

00:07:36: Of course I can learn every day From them but Maybe a lot people would tell me Now you have to play and gain experience.

00:07:45: so That's

00:07:46: it.

00:07:47: Yeah, so when we took a moment looking back again on the very early stages of your career.

00:07:55: So are there any let's say special memories or special activities?

00:08:00: Or something special you think... Looking backwards saying okay this was maybe something which clubs like Barcelona or Spanish Clubs as such doing very good, are very well.

00:08:14: Or instead of other countries maybe in your case you're not really familiar with others scenarios and other countries.

00:08:23: but when you say okay looking back for me As a young player this was something that was very Good, good starting point from there.

00:08:37: Something special maybe?

00:08:39: yes well Maybe this around the our club usually around winter time Usually in the winter break They celebrate like a journey days with all the other age group levels Like from I don't know from ten years old team to the senior team.

00:09:03: they get together and play friendly matches with small fields.

00:09:08: And you get to mix it up, like a ten-year old kid is playing maybe with the captain of the senior team... ...and with the goalie on the sixteen year old teams.

00:09:20: so that stuff!

00:09:22: I remember one year all the whole senior team came in afterwards.

00:09:26: we were waiting for them to sign us T-shirts, caps get a picture with them.

00:09:34: So maybe that's one of the key things I always remember, you'll remember... That made me want to keep playing and especially once i reach the senior team..I also look forward this day because I would love it!

00:09:51: You know?

00:09:51: To kind of repay it and do the same thing as when my senior team was ten years old did Hmm,

00:10:00: which is I could imagine it's a strange let say feeling for you.

00:10:04: Yeah So no really both sides.

00:10:07: so yeah because

00:10:09: i remember when was ten years old A senior team guy lifting me just to shoot harder and then when i was eighteen nineteen years old doing the same.

00:10:21: It was fun.

00:10:22: And maybe another thing also that maybe at the moment you didn't want to, but then when you look back it was really fun.

00:10:30: That your coaches kind of made me go into senior team games especially the Champions League ones and... Maybe I don't know.. When you're a kid and not in sport yet You think they are making do something or forcing them on this game which i dont'know who is playing.

00:10:48: But once we looked back I was like...I can think of it.

00:10:53: Wow, i was watching some really high level as a ten-twelve year old kid and when maybe there's people in the whole world that really loves this sport are not able to.

00:11:05: so yeah That is also very fun part because they're cheering on their team you know helping them win the game Also really cool.

00:11:17: It was like a good club activity.

00:11:19: also

00:11:19: when you say, okay You were let's say forced in some ways to watch these games.

00:11:26: Maybe there are also Activities like that and other clubs here.

00:11:30: so we do this all over again In our club with the young kids going through them into the game of thee The first team or the senior team.

00:11:39: man Do I think it is not really Let's say enough to watch these games, but you have also the same inner motivation too.

00:11:49: To watch this games um...to learn from them.

00:11:53: because it is not only watching Because You need to watch and maybe understand things were going around in the water.

00:12:02: So its a little bit different between Watch And watch somehow.

00:12:07: Yeah

00:12:07: I understand.

00:12:08: yeah of course i mean Maybe at first Just by watching it, you can get attached to it.

00:12:16: And I don't know, as a kid maybe... You're still not familiar with all the tactical stuff and so just watching that player score an amazing goal or the goalie make an amazing save Maybe that stalks on you and maybe try to replicate it.

00:12:33: Once you get to higher level start understanding that tactical stuff.

00:12:39: That's when your start That's when the most important part of watching a game begins.

00:12:44: You have to pay attention because essentially that is what you learn the most, like watch the best players in sport perform live.

00:12:55: I think especially if they are about ten meters away... What do you say?

00:13:02: You start by paying attention and maybe writing stuff down.

00:13:07: just so Of course, if you want to get to that level.

00:13:11: You can do this stuff start practicing that stuff in your trainings and your games in everything.

00:13:18: but so yeah I mean

00:13:20: it's really to take these thing a little bit more seriously.

00:13:24: Yeah exactly

00:13:25: Exactly

00:13:25: That's i think the point at least from my Observation, let's say that way.

00:13:30: Yeah so there are kids.

00:13:32: okay I'm coming to the game anyway and then you have to convince other guys to come And then That's really a difference between watching and watching.

00:13:44: take it a little bit seriously.

00:13:46: at least we're not on the level To be honest with clubs like Barcelona or Champions League Clubs but when As you mentioned, one to reach maybe the senior team somewhere in the future.

00:14:00: Maybe then you have to take it a little bit more seriously.

00:14:03: that's done especially for me.

00:14:05: I think he was funnier and may be more exciting once i understood what the senior teams were doing again at least from me like exciting because Oh, I was identifying... Okay.

00:14:22: They're making that play or they doing this because of that and That's when it started to get like to make sense for me.

00:14:29: so everything started to makes sense.

00:14:31: So i don't know if It happens For everybody but that Was kind Of cool for Me you Know To try to Get to The.

00:14:40: why are they Doing This?

00:14:41: Why?

00:14:43: They made a Play they Made that Pass.

00:14:46: I think that was also an important part of it.

00:14:49: Yeah, so which maybe then brings another little thought to my mind while we are talking about this is... That may be you have as a club a little philosophy for playing where more or less the same things play from under twelve forty sixty eighty upto the senior team more or less.

00:15:14: But when somebody like you, young players are going then to the next level that's not totally new for them.

00:15:24: so some of things are similar to all other teams in club.

00:15:31: Yes yes especially Barcelona since most national team players made by Barcelona it is The senior team plays similar than the Spanish national team, you know.

00:15:45: So and then under eighteen fourteen sixteen Barcelona teams they're trying to play like the senior team of Barcelona which is also your ultimately playing Like the national team senior national team.

00:16:01: so And that consists basically from since year young They are teaching you defense Is the most important part.

00:16:10: If you don't get score by, You cannot lose the game.

00:16:13: Sometimes

00:16:15: it's so easy!

00:16:16: Yeah exactly I always.

00:16:19: sometimes when i'm with young kids like helping out coaches and stuff that...I Like to tell them that because you can see in their face That It is okay.

00:16:29: yeah..that makes sense.

00:16:30: if you do not get score-by then you cannot loose.

00:16:32: So thats first thing they teach you.

00:16:35: Defense is important part.

00:16:36: How we are going play that defense We're gonna make We're gonna do a high press obviously as soon.

00:16:43: Maybe that press starts when you are fourteen maybe.

00:16:46: but yeah, this is the High Press.

00:16:48: and why we doing this High Press?

00:16:51: As soon as we get the ball back A fast transition.

00:16:55: Those are like The two basic stuff from Barcelona and maybe Spanish water ball High pressing and quick transitions.

00:17:05: And then Of course, if you've got nice shooters and sensors or everything in offense it's easier.

00:17:11: But I always remember playing that way when i was young at Barcelona and it ended up translating into the senior team.

00:17:22: so... That may be the groundwork they do for Barcelona And essentially all of the Spanish clubs as well.

00:17:33: As you said sometimes is so easy get less goals than the other.

00:17:37: Yeah, so you're more or less in a good position to win the game at the end.

00:17:43: and also another discussion I had with some guys from Barcelona out of Spain goalie perspective that they say okay the goalkeeper is much more important role during these uh, water polo games after all the changes or rules.

00:18:04: Changes are adoption of the rules and that's key before also a keeper position.

00:18:11: but it's more critical when you do not have really good goalie in the goal.

00:18:17: Of course Yeah.

00:18:18: so It goes into same direction.

00:18:21: I would say Yeah

00:18:21: yeah yeah of course i mean You're focusing on your defense.

00:18:24: So In The End The Primary Defense player is the goalie, so I mean everything starts back there.

00:18:32: So if you have a good goalie who gives you confidence that maybe it would've been better had he hadn't but even though the goalies saved him It just boosts your up You know?

00:18:45: Okay!

00:18:46: He has my back and i can be more aggressive because i know that The goalie will help me.

00:18:51: of course It just plays a big role in these defense.

00:18:57: Especially being really far away from the goal, you know?

00:19:01: By pressing and everything...

00:19:04: At early beginning of your career.

00:19:06: so are there any persons or coaches or teammates or assistants where you say okay.. These guys have an influence on my career.

00:19:17: I mean for me although i've learned alot about all my coaches Since I was young until now, you know You can always learn something from it.

00:19:26: But maybe there was a coach who was with me like since I was ten to... Until i was eighteen and Maybe he wasn't big important.

00:19:39: He played our big role on me because..I mean.

00:19:42: I play every year for him.

00:19:43: So It's one of the main guys in Barcelona.

00:19:48: And also maybe I would say there were some teammates, Goli who was my age.

00:19:54: Who also like grew up with me since we basically started playing together and he just ended in Barcelona at the under-eighteen with me.

00:20:04: so... We made all of our journey together you know?

00:20:08: So yeah but i mean All my team mates where important for me have really good memories from them and also all the coaches, not only from Barcelona but also this high-level performance center in Spain where since you're sixteen until you are eighteen they play a big role on my career.

00:20:46: not so easy to mention someone specifically, because

00:20:50: it's really an

00:20:50: orchestration of many people.

00:20:53: So when you right now played I don't know... You said last three years for the senior team also?

00:21:02: Yes sorry my last junior year i was already practicing with a senior team plus two extra years after finishing junior year.

00:21:14: So three total years.

00:21:16: Yeah,

00:21:17: and what do you think?

00:21:19: or?

00:21:19: What would you say are the biggest differences between then?

00:21:25: is a The gap?

00:21:26: was it really so big?

00:21:28: Or was it not so big because you already trained with them and practice but them Because we have at least in Germany.

00:21:35: yeah that problem That we have for sure not the amount of players like you in Spain, maybe to move to the first senior team regardless of club.

00:21:50: And then also to national teams.

00:21:52: but we have each time a discussion about gap between may be the first and under-eighteen when were at clubs where do not have second team.

00:22:03: that's really difference.

00:22:05: so what your think?

00:22:07: I think in Barcelona is... Toughest place where you can like go from the Yeah, from that junior level to the senior team.

00:22:17: It's really hard.

00:22:18: Like just Stay there and gain a big role on the team after going through all those youth levels You know.

00:22:27: but for me I think i had already Of course is a big gap because you're talking about one of the biggest teams in the world?

00:22:35: You know.

00:22:36: But for me since I who have already been practicing with all the I don't know under sixteen national teams, under eighteen national teams and i practiced for three years in this high level performance center.

00:22:51: I was telling you about before which ultimately that's where the senior national team practices also.

00:22:57: so In these centers they're preparing to do it For The National Team And eventually there are also the Parsoneta Senior Team.

00:23:05: So knew what it was, but of course like once you're in there.

00:23:10: It's like... There are some things that you cannot imagine and think about when playing at the junior levels.

00:23:19: You can learn stuff But not also the thing to be able to do.

00:23:27: Just trying keep up with them is unbelievable.

00:23:32: Honestly I think luckily I was a really hard worker so i could keep up maybe physically with them.

00:23:40: but there's point that the tactic stuff like you have to be prepared for it.

00:23:46: But yeah, I mean... The gaps are

00:23:49: there!

00:23:50: You already mentioned this is not usual normal location club, whatever.

00:23:57: So it's really top of the top.

00:23:59: and maybe you already played also for the national team in the junior section?

00:24:07: And do all ready know how is to win titles?

00:24:12: answer on.

00:24:13: so maybe then also with a looking back How did you define success may be Maybe in twenty years when we talk again than the differences For sure, another one maybe.

00:24:28: But for now you already know as mentioned to win titles... To play these games of this kind level in Spain with the national team.

00:24:38: how do you define success?

00:24:42: I

00:24:43: mean i think everyone wants to win and everybody thinks success comes related winning.

00:24:53: but It gets to a point that you're not gonna be able to win all the tournaments, all the championships.

00:25:01: All the leagues... There's going get-to-a-point.

00:25:04: it is really tough because other teams are also competing for it You know?

00:25:09: So I think maybe success... You reach success once your satisfied with how you played Because maybe i ended up third or second, I lost the final but i was like okay we gave our best.

00:25:28: We gave it all just wasn't meant to be and maybe there's nothing else you could have done.

00:25:33: just get to the top lap...to the gold medal.

00:25:37: so of course winning is really nice!

00:25:41: It's its the best feeling..but i think success....it's kind of hard.

00:25:47: yeah i think it related both your satisfaction level with how you play, but also results obtained.

00:25:58: For example success could be to get all the experience collected during a tournament even when you are not able to win gold or silver medal and that would then be long term success!

00:26:19: Because maybe you can use that in another championship and end up winning the championship.

00:26:28: We already know Spanish national team is very successful over last couple of years which isn't really a secret, let's say it's obvious!

00:26:42: When we play for... junior team and have all the successes And tournaments and wins from a senior team Is this some kind of pressure for?

00:26:56: For the team or for June Junior Team, do you feel any pressure based on the success of the senior team sometimes?

00:27:04: so

00:27:06: I Don't think so.

00:27:08: I think it's even better as because as much as they win So it forces you to want to be part of the team, you know?

00:27:17: And so... The best way for it is just To win all your junior championships.

00:27:22: So that-that way It's more probable You're gonna end up in the senior team, y'know?

00:27:27: I think..it's really cool That the senior national team Is winning as much As its been recently.

00:27:36: But and i think thats for the kids Just have these role models To look at too and try to be as successful as them, I don't think it's a pressure.

00:27:49: For me at least it is not a pressure but just motivation... ...to work harder and perform the best possible on these junior level temperatures.