Question.—You finished the last match, Torremolinos–Real Zaragoza, feeling some discomfort, but you have been seen training normally. How are you feeling? Answer.—Very well. It was typical discomfort at the start of the season. The match conditions and the pitch left me feeling a little tired, but that was all. I am perfectly fine now.
Q.—Without taking anything away from any teammate, Real Zaragoza's defense is different when Rubo and Diego González play… A.—I feel very comfortable with Diego. We are an outstanding partnership, and his experience shows. We have understood each other very well from the first day. Tachi and Barra are also doing things very well. The four center-backs will understand each other, and we are very happy; it adds to the demands and competitiveness.
Real Zaragoza player Rubén Iranzo poses for Aragón Digital. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
Q.—What is your relationship with Diego like? A.—One thing that characterizes the group is the human side in every position and among all the teammates. That will become increasingly evident. In particular, things are super with Diego. We understood each other from the very beginning, and that makes everything easier.
"One thing that characterizes the group is the human side in every position and among all the teammates"
Q.—Did you expect to become a starter so quickly? A.—I came to Real Zaragoza to show my level. I arrived eager to do things well. I focus on working day by day and always being available for whatever the coach considers appropriate. Whether from inside or outside, as in Tarragona; from the sidelines when my time comes or on the pitch, as has been the case lately.
Q.—How are things with the coach? A.—Very well. I spoke with him throughout the summer during the process of my signing, which took longer than expected. The coaching staff is outstanding and demands a lot from us every day. That will help us achieve results.
"The demands, both at Valencia and at Real Zaragoza, show the greatness of the club"
Q.—You can feel that pressure, although it also comes from Valencia, traditionally a similar club… A.—The demands, both at Valencia and here, show the greatness of the club and its history. It is normal and positive for that to exist. It has to help us. It shows that we have joined a great club. That is also why we chose it.
Q.—This is the third tier, and the fans have not abandoned the team… A.—They immediately get behind us and support us. They will carry us along throughout the season. I am very happy with all of it. We all know that we have joined a great, historic club. We are focused on returning it as soon as possible to where it at least deserves to be.
Q.—You seem battle-hardened. You made your La Liga debut at 18… A.—I am used to it. Valencia is also a very big club. From a very young age I was part of the first-team setup, and that gave me a lot of experience. Now I want to make the most of every opportunity.
Real Zaragoza defender Rubén Iranzo wants to secure promotion at the first attempt. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
Q.—You did not establish yourself in La Liga. What are you bringing from Valencia to Zaragoza, where you want to do so? A.—Everything. Since I was eight, I have gone through every stage until reaching the first team. I am who I am thanks to them. I did not manage to establish myself there, and I have come here to do so. First, by returning Real Zaragoza to professional football, but hopefully we will soon face Valencia in La Liga.
"We have all come here to earn promotion with Real Zaragoza"
Q.—This season, I assume everyone knows that promotion is an obligation… A.—We have all come here for that. It is the first thing we have in mind. It is Real Zaragoza… We will give our lives to achieve it, knowing that it is difficult, with many strong and different opponents. We will try to win every match.
Q.—Does the entire squad accept that with the same composure? A.—Yes. We have all come with that idea and that excitement. Those who stayed here have also reset with that goal in mind. We will give our lives.
Q.—Is it possible? A.—We are gaining confidence, we have won two in a row, and we hope to extend the run. At home, we need to be strong; away, we have to compete knowing that even if you take a big lead, they will make you suffer, as in Torremolinos. But by getting the wins.
Iranzo poses at Real Zaragoza's training ground. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
Q.—Tell me about your first kicks of the ball… A.—I remember it with great excitement. I am from Picanya, but I started playing for a club in Torrent, Javi Garrido. We faced Valencia a couple of times and they called me. I went through the trials and joined in my first year at benjamín level.
Q.—Until now, when you have moved to Real Zaragoza… A.—I spent my whole life there, through every age group. I have been a Valencia supporter since I was little; my whole family is from there. I always went to Mestalla as a child, saw good football and a big club with a full stadium demanding a lot. I have had very good experiences that I draw on to give myself an extra boost.
Q.—What is it like to make your La Liga debut? A.—It was spectacular, both making my debut and playing the matches I was able to. Last season I even scored in the Copa del Rey. They are indescribable feelings. And when you achieve what you want, you aspire to something greater. It is not just players who are like that, but everyone and in every field. I enjoy the small things and work so that more can come.
"I am delighted in Zaragoza"
Q.—What do you think of Zaragoza? A.—I am delighted. We have all settled in quickly. The city is great, the people are very warm, and the same is true when we travel… seeing it from the inside is amazing.
Q.—When you arrived, you spoke about your connection with Zaragoza… A.—I have to clarify that. I mentioned my maternal grandfather, who traveled from Valencia to Zaragoza for work. But my father's family also comes from here. The Iranzo family is from Aragón. My great-grandfather and his father, my great-great-grandfather, were from Zaragoza. They moved toward Valencia. So I have connections on both sides.
"Will we earn promotion? Yes. 100%"
Q.—And El Pilar… A.—As a child, my family took me to see the Virgin. El Pilar is spectacular. One of the first things I did was go back there. I love it. We ask her for promotion and for all of us to be well, at our best and without injuries.
Q.—What do you like most about Zaragoza? A.—El Pilar and the city center. La Romareda looks great; it will probably be one of the things I like most.
Q.—Yes or no. Will Real Zaragoza earn promotion? A.—Yes. 100%.
