Ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France, Borja Iglesias gave an interview to Babel, discussing the atmosphere in the Spanish team's locker room, his role in the team, and the performances of Merino and Oyarzabal.
Borja Iglesias, it's a pleasure to have you here for this interview, and thank you for taking the time. You're back in Dallas, about to face France in the semifinals. How is the team feeling right now?
We feel great, very happy, and very content. To be honest, I'm a little out of sorts today because I got back quite late yesterday, and I'm still experiencing some jet lag. However, we're genuinely excited and can't wait for the competition. The best part is that everything is progressing rapidly, and we're full of anticipation.
We were just talking about how you brought your PlayStation 3 here and even found the 2010 World Cup game. What formation do you usually use in the game?
To be honest, we keep making adjustments. We play in pairs; I started with Polo, but now it's Fabian Ruiz. Polo and his partner have better chemistry, while I also feel good playing with Fabian Ruiz. The formation depends on the team we're playing against, as we've tried many different teams. Generally, though, we use a 4-3-3, but sometimes we make slight asymmetrical adjustments.
In this World Cup game, who is the strongest and most "superpowered" player?
Fernando Torres is very strong. Cristiano Ronaldo is also very strong. And... Lampard is also very good.
A few days ago we talked about values and respect in the mixed zone downstairs. Luis de la Fuente mentioned that respecting teammates' starting order is very important, and Claudio said something similar. Are you still accepting your role well? Are you enjoying this World Cup experience? This is your first World Cup, right?
Yes, this is my first World Cup. The reality is, as players, and competitive individuals, we all naturally want to play, and always hope to be on the field. When playing time is limited, it's certainly not as enjoyable; if you don't play at all, it's even more frustrating; and even after playing, being substituted later still evokes emotions. These are all part of the profession.
However, I think everyone here puts the team first. Whether or not they get playing time, everyone feels like they're part of the experience. So, we're all enjoying it, and I think that's very important.
The team's internal unity is especially strong. A few days ago, when Merino scored, it was practically his first touch of the ball after coming on. All the players warming up with him felt that goal belonged to them too. You immediately rush over and celebrate with him. It's a wonderful feeling. Honestly, I think that's the key to our team.
I was just about to ask Merino. He seems to have become the team's "lucky charm" now, like he's been enchanted. For example, I have a feeling that he always saves his best performance for last. Do you think if he started, he might score in the first six minutes of the game?
That's possible. Often, the game environment, the tension in the final stages, and the team's needs at a particular moment can all influence your playing style and how you feel. However, Mikel is a player I've known for many years. When I used to play against him, he often made things very difficult for me.
He is very determined, possesses outstanding talent, plays with elegance, and has a strong competitive spirit. But most importantly, he is very resolute, knows what he wants, and will work hard to achieve it.
I think he'll be fully prepared for his goals in this regard. As he himself said, when you come off the bench, you have to believe that opportunities will come, and eventually the ball will indeed come back to you. Of course, the reason the ball finds him again is because he created it all himself. I think he has a great ability to shape his own destiny, which is very admirable. He's an outstanding player. It's truly a pleasure to be his teammate, training and living together every day.
I'm actually a little envious of you, because what I miss most after leaving Spain is coffee. You know, Americano is definitely not easy to get used to. Besides coffee—I assume you have plenty by now—what do you miss most about your hometown in Spain?
I really enjoy having some free time, being able to go out, get away from the spotlight, and enjoy life. Not that I mean completely stopping, but rather savoring those brief moments of leisure. Here, it's sometimes difficult because we're here to compete and must focus on our tasks.
However, we cherish these relaxing moments when the head coach gives us a lot of time. He gives us plenty of time to spend with our families and allows friends to visit. I think this makes us appreciate these opportunities even more and feel a lot of care.
Of course, I'll miss my parents too. They stayed here for a week and have already gone back. I also miss some friends I haven't seen in a long time and hope to spend some time with them. However, I hope that when I leave here, my backpack will be full of wonderful memories. I believe it will, but there are still some memories waiting for us to create.
Speaking of memories, I saw a European Cup trophy tattooed on your right leg the other day, right?
That's the King's Cup.
Sorry, Copa del Rey. Do you have any plans to get the World Cup trophy tattooed on your body soon?
I hope so, that would be wonderful. Even if I don't get a trophy tattoo in the end, I'll at least get a design related to this World Cup.
This seems to have turned into a "tattoo World Cup," with some people even saying they want to tattoo Luis de la Fuente on their faces, making all sorts of promises...
Indeed, there are all sorts of situations. Hopefully, many people will eventually add more tattoos to their list of achievements; that would be wonderful. Clearly, getting this far has been difficult enough, and the hardest part is yet to come. But we still hope we can achieve it.
I've been watching the Robinson Report about Spain's 2010 World Cup victory these past few days. There are many similarities and coincidences between the two teams. Almost all 26 players were key players for their respective clubs, just like you would on your own team. What are your thoughts on this situation? Also, a teammate like Oyarzabal, he's practically an "ice man." He keeps scoring, but remains incredibly calm, seemingly unaffected by anything.
Oyarzabal is indeed very calm. He's a very special person in the world of football. Everyone can see his performance on the field; I don't need to say more. If you could see him training, you'd understand even better why he plays so well—because he's very intelligent.
He possesses exceptional ability and understands football from a team perspective. This is not easy for a striker, as being decisive usually requires a certain level of self-confidence and assertiveness. However, he always remains calm and can assess what is best for the team in various situations.
To be honest, being in the same locker room with Oyarzabal or teammates like Ferran who can play my position is a pleasure for me. They are both excellent players, and I can learn a lot from them. And we have a great relationship, which I think is the most important thing.
Have you ever dreamed of scoring a decisive goal in the World Cup like Iniesta? What kind of goal would you most like to score? How would you like to achieve your first World Cup goal?
Obviously, if you ask any of these 26 players, they would all dream of this kind of scene, even the goalkeeper. My dream is to be able to contribute to the team and help the team. To be honest, over the years I've learned that even without scoring goals, I can help the team in many ways, including off the field.
Of course, we all imagine special moments. I think that's important because it helps you prepare and keeps you connected to what's happening. So, I hope those moments come. But no matter who scores, I'll celebrate as if it were my own goal. I'll be equally happy as long as we achieve our objective.
Please look at the camera and say a few words to all the fans who will be watching Spain vs. France live in Dallas, and to Spanish fans watching at home. You can say anything you want.
I just want to thank everyone for your continued support throughout this journey, and I hope you will continue to support us and enjoy the game. I hope that in a little over a week, we can share the final joy together. A hug to everyone.
