Iraizoz: "The first leg will play an important role in terms of our chances"

Gorka Iraizoz (Pamplona, Navarre, 1981) spoke with LFP.es ahead of Athletic Club’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg clash with RCD Espanyol. The Navarre-born goalkeeper, who won the Copa with the Catalan outfit during the 2005/06 season, looked back on that title win and assessed the main talking points surrounding Athletic at this point of the season.

LFP.es: What are your memories of that Espanyol team you won the 2006 Copa with?
Gorka Iraizoz: I have very fond memories of that time because that was my first season playing in the Liga BBVA and to win a title so soon into my career is still indescribable.

LFP.es: How would you compare that 2006 title-winning side with the current Athletic team?
Gorka Iraizoz: They are two very different teams. We were an extremely good counterattacking side and made the most out of our strength in defence to hit opponents on the break. We had great free kick takers and our strikers were incredibly effective. This Athletic team is different, this side wants to control the ball and control the play, as well as create chances. We are also very strong tactically. 

"The first leg will be key to knowing what chances each side has ahead of the second leg"

LFP.es: With an eye towards Wednesday’s game, what do you think the keys will be to winning the clash? 
Gorka Iraizoz: Having gotten as far as the semi-finals we are expecting a very intense match. Having come this far, both sides will be looking to reach the final as that would be a huge achievement for both clubs and logically the whole tie will be a very intense affair. I think that intensity will be especially evident in this knockout tie. The first leg will be key to knowing what chances each side has ahead of the second leg. 

LFP.es: Sergio García, Felipe Caicedo, Lucas Vázquez… How do you put a stop to the Espanyol forward line? 
Gorka Iraizoz: They are a team that not only now, but throughout the season, have had a very clear vision of how they play as well as a strong understanding of their players’ attributes. Sergio García has always played at a high level and he is a good outlet for the team, Caicedo is proving himself to be the player we all knew he could be. They also have good free kick takers like Lucas Vázquez, providing Stuani with even more goalscoring opportunities. 

LFP.es: Should everything go to plan, Iago Herrerín will start. How would you describe his performances this season? 
Gorka Iraizoz: Well, at the end of the day no matter what team you’re on, you’ll get opportunities to play. Every member of the squad is necessary over the course of the season, some players are used for certain situations, while others are used for different ones. Everyone is a necessary component of our team and, in the case of Iago, he has made it to the semi-finals by doing a good job of helping us out. When you are given an opportunity you have to grab it with both hands. 

"Our progress in the league is not the same this year. You have to live each moment as it comes"

LFP.es: Do you think he is ready to become an undisputed starter in the future?
Gorka Iraizoz: That’s not for me to decide. Life is very unpredictable and you have to live in the present. What is true for now is that he and I are responsible for defending the goal as best we can and we both support each other. When he plays I’m by his side and when I play he’s by mine. That is the most important thing.

LFP.es: San Mamés was an impenetrable fortress last season but things have changed this year. What do you think has happened?
Gorka Iraizoz: This season is different to last season. Having to play in the preliminary phase for the UEFA Champions League in order to qualify for the main competition took its toll on us. Our progress in the Liga BBVA this year is completely different to last year but you have to live each moment as it comes. We can’t keep looking in the past.

LFP.es: Up next in the Liga BBVA you take on a Granada CF side in need of a good result. How will you prepare for that game?
Gorka Iraizoz: Obviously the Copa del Rey match is very important as we’re talking about semi-finals, but that doesn’t mean we can forget about our situation in the Liga BBVA. We now have crucial games coming up against teams in the same situation as ourselves. Getting a win against Granada would be hugely important as it would put some distance in the table between us and them and would also give us a boost ahead of our other games.

LFP.es: You have played every minute so far in La Liga, is this as fit as you have ever been?
Gorka Iraizoz: I’m not sure. If you’ve got a lot of Liga BBVA seasons under your belt you’ll have experienced all kinds of different situations. You have to try and take care of yourself, work hard to stay in the right physical shape to play games. I try to keep the machine well oiled in order to be available whenever I’m needed, especially now that the end of my career is on the horizon. I want to enjoy every last moment because that’s life.