Real Zaragoza’s left-back, who has already worn the captain’s armband, calmly and enthusiastically assessed the team’s situation. He is also aware of the circumstances. “We give being top the importance it deserves, but I think it is good for all of us to get excited and see that, by staying together, we can achieve great things,” he said.
Escudero has enjoyed a distinguished career, including a spell in the Champions League. Now, in the final stage of his career, he has not passed up the opportunity to add a historic club such as Real Zaragoza to his list of achievements. This is despite the fact that, in his view, the third tier is far from easy.
Escudero during a training session this season with Real Zaragoza. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
“I had never had the opportunity to play in Primera RFEF. It seems very competitive to me; you can see that anyone can win. It makes you appreciate what we are achieving. Being able to come to Real Zaragoza meets my expectations; I was joining a winning team,” added the veteran footballer, 37.
THE CAREER AND THE POSITION
Linking the competition and the team’s position, Escudero spoke very positively about Real Zaragoza’s current form. “Winning five matches is very difficult. The teams are becoming increasingly well prepared. We are very happy, above all for the people who have been suffering so much since last year; it is very good for them to get some fresh air,” he said.
“The most important thing is the team: those who start, those who come off the bench, those who do not play… you can see it in training. It is incredible; they do not lower their arms even when they do not play. That is the foundation of everything: being a team, knowing what to do at every moment, when to do it and when not to, and accepting it,” Escudero added on the matter.
The Real Zaragoza spokesman had more to say: “We are a team. There is an exceptional group in the dressing room. We respect each other a great deal, which is the most important thing,” he said.
TOP SPOT
For his part, the Real Zaragoza player outlined the path and his recipe. “With the same humility we have shown in our work, by being consistent and focusing on each opponent and each week,” he said, referring to the three away matches.
“Seeing yourself near the top helps your confidence. We have to feel invincible; that mindset comes from confidence, and thinking only about winning brings you closer to winning. It is important to be up there because, if at some point we go through a phase when things do not go so well, we can settle into the higher positions,” he concluded.
Real Zaragoza need to win in a particular scenario: the three away matches mentioned above. They begin against Atlético Madrileño this Sunday. That would give them a little more of an advantage.
