The goalkeeper is enjoying life in the Aragonese capital. This week in particular, after securing their first win, having a couple of days off to rest and feeling important. He has absorbed the energy of the Real Zaragoza coach, who conveys strength “every day.” The dressing room takes that on board.
This week, Real Zaragoza must travel to face Juventud de Torremolinos. El Pozuelo is not the best place for professional football, as it is small and has a stand holding 3,000 spectators right on top of the players. But that is no problem for Sem.
Real Zaragoza celebrate their victory over Antequera. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
“For me, it makes no difference which stadium you play in. If it is a big one, with 30,000 people, communication with your teammates is reduced and you have more pressure… but it is the same. It is football. The pitch, the goals and the rules are the same. Nothing changes,” Westerveld said.
STARTING ROLE
For the goalkeeper, “it is an honour to be Real Zaragoza’s starting goalkeeper.” “They are much bigger than I expected. I knew they were very big, but I was surprised out on the streets. You are more famous than I thought; people talk to you and are very friendly… when you play here, you feel good, and I hope we can continue like this. The fans will be there and it will be a good season,” he said.
“I signed as the starter. I was clear before coming here that I was going to be the starter. They did tell me I had to prove it, but I expected to play. I had to show my level and I expected to play, but nothing is ever given to you for free. You have to earn it in training, and I feel very good,” he maintained.
He kept a clean sheet in the win over Antequera. That is a good sign. That is what a goalkeeper is there for, as he pointed out. Even so, he acknowledged that the important thing “is to win.”
WORDS FOR MANOLACHE
This Wednesday, Marcos Manolache renewed his contract until 2031, and the Dutch goalkeeper had words for him. “He is a very good goalkeeper. Many people told me they could not tell us apart. He is a good lad, a good goalkeeper, trains very well and we work very well together,” he acknowledged. Real Zaragoza have tied him down for five seasons.
