00:00:02: Welcome to this

00:00:03: podcast.

00:00:14: Water polo expert talk, get the insights

00:00:32: on these junior level championships?

00:00:35: Yeah so which is interesting because not interesting but during some other podcasts episodes in the past there was also a discussion going around let's say pressure and it really pressure which is hiding me from bringing my best or play my best water polo I can maybe.

00:00:59: As you said, it's not really a pleasure but also privilege.

00:01:04: so we should say okay It´s not really the pressure.

00:01:09: i'm able to play here totally right here and its a privilege for Spain in your example yeah?

00:01:18: So Its Not Really Wrong kind of pressure.

00:01:22: Exactly,

00:01:22: it's a good pressure.

00:01:23: yeah exactly

00:01:25: because

00:01:26: like keeps you going.

00:01:27: if not there is nothing else to look forward besides

00:01:31: winning the championship.

00:01:38: Play, for example the world championship or European Championship for Spain then as you did in the past and win these kind of titles.

00:01:47: So are there any special memories?

00:01:49: For you from this kind of tournament?

00:01:52: saying okay at This was really a special moment on The first championship or Special Moment because it Was to win off the tournament with all the guys I grew up With.

00:02:07: so other Annie Special memories from you so far?

00:02:13: Of course, I mean the...I got like two memories pop up right now.

00:02:17: Like the first ever European international championship by Blading which was under-fifteen European Championship We ended in second place.

00:02:32: we lost a final against Hungary but not The result wasn't that important.

00:02:39: It was more like the first experience against international players, you know?

00:02:44: First contact in that atmosphere and situation it was... We didn't know as long as there were championships going on.

00:02:57: we ended up first at group stage then went to quarterfinals or semifinals.

00:03:03: We didn't know.

00:03:06: it was what he was for us to just get to the European final.

00:03:09: because then in Following championships you don't get to that stage And and then you get that feeling.

00:03:16: Okay, well we did back.

00:03:18: Then It was really really hard of a chief.

00:03:20: but at the moment since it was our first championship my first championship He was like Just enjoying every day, being with the team and guys playing these games.

00:03:33: Of course we wanted to win.

00:03:34: of course there was pressure like oh I want to win it's important much but just...I really enjoyed that championship because of it being first one.

00:03:46: And then last year the under twenty world championships The first international title for me in junior level, the first gold medal.

00:03:57: It was just unbelievable.

00:03:59: you know it was like winning the world being able to call yourself World Champion...it's amazing and especially how the tournament went.

00:04:15: I think we had come back almost all of our games but i have a feeling that No matter how the game went, I knew we would end up winning.

00:04:26: We were that much of a team... Not in a cocky way you know?

00:04:32: Like oh well just better than them!

00:04:36: It was because i could look at my teammates and see how much together we are And no matter how tough or difficult our games get keep going and in the end I knew with like, we could win the game you know?

00:04:55: And it was amazing.

00:04:57: It's just that... when The Final Whistle sounded at the final it was awesome!

00:05:06: I couldn't believe it.. I think i ended up playing with a ball but didn't really know what to do.

00:05:15: so yeah What do I do now?

00:05:16: And then celebrating, of course it was amazing.

00:05:22: To say to yourself okay i'm not at least for this moment in this age the best of the world.

00:05:28: so yeah unbelievable especially

00:05:34: also because Spain hadn't won these under twenty World Champs since nineteen ninety one.

00:05:45: So yeah when During the tournament we were like, okay Spain hasn't won since nineteen ninety one.

00:05:53: That's

00:05:53: that's a long time.

00:05:55: Spain hasn' t won a medal Since two thousand fourteen or fifteen I think.

00:06:02: so Okay It it's like he'd motivated us you know because we knew how We work out?

00:06:07: But we weren't playing good You know and then we had a chance.

00:06:11: So it was also that this what we talked about before these extra good pressure maybe to just keep going.

00:06:18: So yeah,

00:06:20: Good pressure?

00:06:21: Yeah.

00:06:21: so at least when you have these kind of tournaments mentioned that it's really in some flow and okay there is something possible.

00:06:34: regardless the result or quarter results of this games You are able come back save the game at the end.

00:06:46: Maybe then it's more, let's say in your memories when it is not so easy you know?

00:06:53: So if we win a tournament World Championship winning easily maybe... Not to write wording but It's much more in your memory When you said okay We have really work on the tournament and win this kind of title.

00:07:10: Exactly Are there any, so when we are talking about the good parts.

00:07:16: So maybe also you mentioned The Age at the beginning?

00:07:21: Maybe they're some not-so easy periods Also When the age is not that high but... Are There Any Faces During Your Career Where You Say Okay It Was Not Everything was Good.

00:07:41: Yeah, of

00:07:41: course.

00:07:42: I mean there's been some...I mean so far maybe all the disappointment has come from this like from couple of these national team tournaments and also it's you cannot compare to the level but also these Spanish and Catalan championships with youth levels in Barcelona.

00:08:08: I mean, I think i'm a pretty lucky guy and so far.

00:08:13: I've gotten A lot of good results.

00:08:16: but Of course there's been tough like tough situations Like also not only because of losing But There has been some difficult years in like Realizing that the team I was part of wasn't like a team you know?

00:08:33: That Was really tough for me Like looking back on it.

00:08:38: I don't remember if we were like, i don't know, sixteen or seventeen But yeah It was like Remember being us as friends.

00:08:49: but As soon as you got into the water You could see that there wasn't this team connection.

00:08:55: And Yeah There's always gonna be Bad times, y'know?

00:09:04: Luckily for me So a lot of them, maybe... Maybe I can think not as much about group failure but more than individual failure.

00:09:17: Back two years ago when i didn't make one of the national teams that really stuck on me.

00:09:24: But honestly I did look at it like a big failure.

00:09:30: and okay I'm no good I'm not worth it.

00:09:35: You know, look...I took as a okay.

00:09:38: It means if i am good enough to make the team..it mean that have keep working on some stuff and talk with coach.

00:09:46: The coach just told what he thought could improve And use this for next season.

00:09:53: Just work on it Keep going.

00:09:57: Yeah!

00:09:59: Maybe thats the biggest dark time.

00:10:07: We just preem more than fair that they are in this age.

00:10:11: is not so many dark sides at the moment or moments?

00:10:14: Yeah,

00:10:15: because of course you're just

00:10:18: coming back for your to move from Spain we already mentioned it at the beginning to Duisburg Germany through the upcoming season.

00:10:28: So other any Thoughts going through your mind saying, okay.

00:10:33: I am here for the last fourteen years.

00:10:36: You mentioned you would like to see something different New culture new teams new teammates and i had a discussion For example with Segi Kabanas who moved from there To Croatia which was also based on his thoughts.

00:10:57: Not so easy for him due to several reasons.

00:11:00: Do we have any conversations?

00:11:02: For example with other guys from Barcelona who played in a foreign country before?

00:11:07: So about all the things you may not think of at the very beginning.

00:11:14: Yeah, I mean All the guys right now.

00:11:17: when they found out.

00:11:18: I was going abroad They just told me like You're gonna first that I was gonna need some time to just settle in, you know.

00:11:30: Try not to rush this process because everyone goes through these so that the important thing was just take it easy at first.

00:11:37: try and get to know your teammates.

00:11:39: Get to know team coach The city also Because its a different culture.

00:11:46: And then they told me Just keep working not to settle down, or think I'm good enough right now.

00:12:00: Just try and keep learning new stuff.

00:12:03: you can always learn from everyone.

00:12:06: so i think that's one of the main things guys told me

00:12:14: at the beginning.

00:12:15: we also mentioned it may be a better place for us in spain And now the move to Germany.

00:12:25: So because German League is maybe not, let's say structured like a Spanish one and also may be not so competitive from the first one to the last one... Are there any information or research you did regarding the German league before?

00:12:51: Honestly, first when I decided that i wanted to leave Barcelona and started searching for clubs.

00:13:01: I talked with friends who played in these foreign leagues before just to see if they knew someone or if there were clubs interested in signing players like me.

00:13:17: And then one of the coaches I had, came...I also talked with him and he came up with this option.

00:13:26: With Duisburg too for me playing in Duisborg.

00:13:29: Honestly, I've been watching some Duisboro games because a friend who went to high school with me played there at Goli.

00:13:41: Didac?

00:13:41: I don't know if you know him!

00:13:44: Not personally, but yes.

00:13:46: Okay he's a really good friend of mine like real close friends.

00:13:50: so yeah I knew the club i knew that team and because I don't know what some couple games of Duisburg And as soon as I knew that duisburg was an option I just got more interested in whose teams were on the league.

00:14:12: I started watching more of his games, just to see how the playstyle was different.

00:14:19: And also especially seeing maybe what they were playing for and how their coach made them play.

00:14:32: as soon it became official... I know everyone by name!

00:14:40: But yeah, I think i'm kind of familiar right now with what I can expect but... ...I will find some stuff that's not expecting.

00:14:51: Of course!

00:14:52: I am just looking forward to it you know?

00:14:54: Yeah so which is very good because when we say okay let us do a little research in other countries and maybe then also maybe then the guy you are knowing from high school is not really only reason, so there for sure other reasons.

00:15:17: And this may be also a good sign than German League saying okay Also some people from Spain coming to Germany and This isn't someone who goes to Faspo or Spandau But he goes to Duisburg or White Sharks, nor Köln.

00:15:37: So which is then also a little interesting message for the league I would say so that German League is let's say attractive as well For players like you and other guys coming from Spain.

00:15:55: Yeah i know a couple of guys from Spain who have moved to Germany recently From Spain, we see it as a really nice country to live in and the league I think is getting more insisting every year.

00:16:14: For example, I think Duisburg right now being able to compete with both Waspo and Spandau... ...I think that's an important thing for the league because they add a bit of spice there you know?

00:16:30: this head-to-head, there's a third team now coming and obviously for the following season I expect us to beat them.

00:16:38: We'll

00:16:40: see.

00:16:41: Which is also spectacular for a viewer of the league, which was good sign that we don't have.

00:16:49: as you imagine not only the first two teams are really competitive with Vaspova and Spando but other teams were able to play on same level.

00:17:01: so at least during season best-of-three or whatever Many things are possible during the last couple of years.

00:17:13: Yeah, exactly.

00:17:13: and what also attracted me at Duisburg is the opportunities to play in European levels as well In the Euro Cup.

00:17:21: you know that was Also one of them.

00:17:23: main thing I was looking for it my in this new club i was Expecting to play.

00:17:29: I wanted just get not only experience in their own league but in the European level, on a European club level.

00:17:39: I think it was important to me at least just know that i'm going get this experience time as well.

00:17:48: when you see these kind of achievements playing in the european club level competition It's something the club has achieved over the last couple years.

00:18:04: You can do also your part to the next level, maybe.

00:18:09: To reach... I don't know which stage then in the European Championship on a club level?

00:18:17: Yeah so i'm really looking forward ...to the next season.

00:18:20: to be honest because as mentioned before we do not have or it's not good for the league It is not good of clubs and it isn´t that bad For the national team at the end mayor of Germany when you do not enough competitive clubs in the league.

00:18:37: And this reason, I'm really looking forward to everybody who's making our League better at the end.

00:18:48: So have a last point because we're talking on Sunday and today In the evening There is another little sport tournament going on The final of the world championship between Argentina and Spain.

00:19:07: So we... Oh

00:19:08: right, I forgot about that!

00:19:10: Yeah for sure i'm pretty sure you forgot this game.

00:19:15: so maybe tomorrow depending on the result.

00:19:18: but um For a moment i am pretty sure You are not forget this one.

00:19:23: Um..so what do you think about it?

00:19:26: So uhmm I-I'm Pretty Sure That For You There's Only One Option.

00:19:32: I mean, yeah.

00:19:33: Of course i won a spain to win but it's in my case It's pretty funny because actually My whole family is from argentina.

00:19:41: Ah okay yes so So... I thought this was maybe an easy question then?

00:19:47: It's not as easy As it looks Because right now i'm hundred percent supporting for Spain.

00:19:54: But he gets that point That of course if Argentina wins He wouldn't be the same as If another country won.

00:20:00: you know I wouldn't feel as bad.

00:20:03: As i would if any other country won, you know?

00:20:06: So...I hope Spain wins but yeah..i think it- i'm looking forward to the game

00:20:12: out of there.

00:20:13: Yeah so um at least for us from Germany its easy!

00:20:18: We are not a part of this game anymore we have to find another coach.

00:20:30: Spain will make it.

00:20:32: But on the other side, you have this little guy called Messi which is let's say special part of each game I would say and so maybe also his last big tournament.

00:20:47: So On The Other Hand You Can Also Say Okay Give Him The Trophy And We Take It Next Time.

00:20:54: but yeah i don't know we'll see its a bit complicated.

00:21:00: I think that it's funny because maybe like looking back at some stuff we talked about before It's funny how both teams That got to the final are those Teams that look like a team.

00:21:13: The most you know there are more Together in the tough times Because for example, no just be friends.

00:21:22: You could see they had amazing players but in the end You can see how Spain as a team beat them.

00:21:29: And also Argentina, they got to the final just by being together and fighting every moment.

00:21:35: so you can see that it translates into every sport.

00:21:40: as long as we have a good group... The togetherness of each team is really important You know?

00:21:50: Yeah!

00:21:51: Also another point coming from what you mentioned before when have the focus on defense.

00:21:59: Yeah, so it's also for I think at least or extremely for the Spanish football team that they really would like to have a ball.

00:22:10: yes but you are... It is not easy to score against Spain yeah?

00:22:15: So i don't know how many goals spain received just one and this was then in the end because They only received one goal against them, then you have to go through the final.

00:22:33: At least at a semi-final.

00:22:35: so when you receive only one gold during whole tournament... It's

00:22:39: pretty hard not to win!

00:22:42: Absolutely yeah.. So in charge score first and it is hard for your opponent to say okay I need to score One goal and then I need to score another one two win the game.

00:22:55: So it's crazy at least mental point of view also for your opponent

00:23:00: totally, maybe these different stuff.

00:23:04: on water polo he can translate what you said that Spain likes to have a ball.

00:23:10: because like when i say before if they don't get scored in you cannot lose in full ball interest, it translates into if you have the ball.

00:23:21: The opponent doesn't have a ball and they cannot score on you.

00:23:24: so... It ends up everything is on the same like try to not give chance for other team to win.

00:23:36: It sounds so easy, but for Germany during the last couple of years and tournaments it's not.

00:23:49: But we have a totally different discussion Level of discussion in Germany, so everybody is talking about football.

00:23:57: Nobody's talking about water polo.

00:23:59: So you have really then both discussions and Spain I would say also for football for sure but also four for what a polo?

00:24:07: yeah

00:24:08: Yeah But honestly i would love for water polos here in spain to get more recognition You know?

00:24:15: Oh think that was

00:24:16: also in the case.

00:24:19: yes because you can notice, of course now the football world cup is every day on the twenty-four seven in the news and TV.

00:24:29: But when Spain won last year at Singapore World Champs or in twenty two in Budapest World Champ or everything... You could just get this thirty second note from the TV saying they won!

00:24:47: They ended up I don't know eight to six on the game.

00:24:52: This was their result and they were really happy, They played an awesome tournament!

00:24:57: And that's it.

00:24:58: then you never hear again Exactly exactly... Then You Never Hear Again like I know.

00:25:05: It is just what it is The market of this sport.

00:25:09: but i would be nice for our sport especially since its giving really good results, not only on the men's side also in women.

00:25:22: It would be nice if you could get the recognition

00:25:26: that he

00:25:27: deserves.

00:25:31: From an outside view when coming from Germany or looking to Spain there is at least a first point of view.

00:25:40: then the recognition It's higher than in Germany.

00:25:46: But when you say, okay there is also some room for improvement and Spain then it may be a different view from Spain.

00:25:57: that the point of view maybe another one.

00:26:00: but looking outside then the recognition

00:26:05: is better

00:26:05: than in germany.

00:26:07: I can see this past couple years has been improving because Before the league games, just finals would get televised.

00:26:18: And right now some regular league games are being broadcasted on TV.

00:26:25: so step by step it's improving but I think there is a long way... But not in Spain.

00:26:32: all around the world as you're saying that also happens in Germany.

00:26:37: It'a really lovely sport and nice should get more recognition.

00:26:45: And I

00:26:46: would hope to absolutely, yeah?

00:26:49: So maybe then we can do our part here with the podcast.

00:26:53: so at least... We will be doing a job there and i have five questions for you!

00:27:01: Maybe with short answer or atleast a shot.

00:27:09: First one Barcelona.

00:27:10: in one word Dreamland.

00:27:16: Okay, do Spork what expectation you have?

00:27:28: New opportunities.

00:27:31: One Spanish player that you learned the most from?

00:27:38: I thought so many!

00:27:40: I mean, of course.

00:27:40: I could say all my Varsalnetta teammates but if i had to choose one... ...I would have to say Felipe.

00:27:49: Okay good!

00:27:50: So greetings to Felipe so he done his job.

00:27:57: Spain or Argentina tonight?

00:27:59: We already mentioned that.

00:28:00: maybe it's not as easy at the beginning.

00:28:06: and yeah Last one is a little bit special.

00:28:10: So data or instinct?

00:28:13: Yeah, so do you prove more on data and information of your Instinct?

00:28:19: I think I'm more data in an information guy.

00:28:24: Okay yeah, which was fair.

00:28:27: also the instinct maybe sometimes based on data.

00:28:33: If you study something really hard may be at the end just go by it go for the answer just by instinct.

00:28:41: But yeah, more of a results kind of guy you know?

00:28:45: Perfect!

00:28:46: Good so Unai You're done.

00:28:49: So

00:28:50: I had a lot of fun.

00:28:51: Thank you for having me.

00:28:52: Okay Yeah maybe this turns out in We have to repeat it and Maybe i don't know.

00:29:01: A few months Of course In Germany.

00:29:03: So

00:29:04: I'll let you know how I'm handling Germany.

00:29:07: Maybe we can do it in German.

00:29:10: Yes, so maybe then the chance is higher to do it and German as in Spanish?

00:29:16: I

00:29:16: would say...

00:29:17: I don't promise anything but i'll try learning as fast as I can.

00:29:21: Okay!

00:29:22: So we agree on a checkpoint somewhere in future.

00:29:26: Thanks for your time And have some fun tonight during game Regardless of the result at that moment, but we have to enjoy it.

00:29:39: All the best then for your move to Germany and all the best for Duisburg!

00:29:45: Talk soon somewhere maybe in Germany

00:29:47: again!