Cádiz CF midfielder Álex Fernández spoke to the club’s in-house media team, discussing how the season is going and reflecting on his career at the Carranza since joining in 2017. He also looked ahead to Sunday’s LaLiga clash with Real Sociedad.
His injury
“I’m in the final days of my recovery and I can’t wait to get back out there with the lads. It was a little bump in the road, a minor tear, but I’m feeling really good.”
First half of the LaLiga season
“I think it’s been good; the lads have fought tooth and nail all the way. It’s a tough division to play in. We’ve had some really good performances and some games that haven’t turned out so well, but we’re in Primera División, we’re up against the best and anything can happen in every game. I’m pleased with the job we’ve done as a group. On an individual level, I feel good. I’m learning every day, I’m enjoying playing in different positions and I’m just out to help the team in any way I can.”
The team
“We look in really good nick going into the second half of the season, which we know will be really challenging. We’ve strengthened well and the lads are totally focused on the job they have to do. The gaffer’s message remains really clear. We just have to stick together and I’m sure everything will go well.”
Adapting to the top flight
“It had been several years since I’d played in Primera; it had been longer than I would have liked. I’ve been alternating between different positions and you have to adapt quickly, give your all and help the team in any way you can. I’m pleased. I’ve played a lot and I’ve had some good games and some bad games, but I’ve always given my all for the good of the team.”
Being one of the club captains
“Whether I’m a club captain or not, I try to be a leader for my team-mates, for the club, for the fans; I try to represent the values that are important to this club and get across my passion for the game. When I put the captain’s armband on, or my team-mates look to me for support, or I feel the love of the fans, it’s such a feeling of satisfaction. You know that you’re doing well and that you’re on the right track.”
The fans
“They’re really important; our fans are the heart and soul of this club. They define this club. This virus has meant we haven’t been able to enjoy football 100%, but we’re focused on staying up so that we can be in Primera with the supporters at the Carranza.”
High point of his Cádiz career so far
“When we won promotion to Primera. We had a brilliant season last year. The team battled so hard and had a real connection with the fans; I think it’s been a while since the supporters felt such a togetherness with the team. I had a blast in every single game; going to the stadium was like when I was a kid with my friends. I enjoyed myself so much.”
Playing in different positions
“I look at it as a positive. The main thing is to be playing. I did really well in my natural position last season, but this year what comes first is the collective. If I have to play out wide to help the team, I’m very happy to do that. It also opens up my horizons, which is always a good thing.”
Facing his brother, Real Madrid defender Nacho
“It’s a real professional highlight, because he’s been my idol ever since I was born. I look up to him a lot. When we came up against each other at Valdebebas [in Cádiz’s win over Real Madrid in October], it was special; there were times when I felt like pinching myself. We played really well, we won the game and that’s a memory I’ll cherish for ever.”
Archer celebration
“I’ve been doing it for several years now; six or seven. I started doing it in England and it’s for my wife. We really like films, particularly war films, and we joke about shooting arrows. I told her I’d dedicate my goals by shooting an arrow for her, and now I have to shoot two because we have our little kid. Hopefully I’ll have to shoot plenty more arrows.”
Staying in Primera
“The aim is clear: we have to stay up. It isn’t going to be easy. It’s true that we’ve managed to build up a decent cushion ahead of the second half of the season, and I think the lads are ready for the challenge ahead. Staying up would be such a boost for the club and the people of Cádiz, the fans. The Carranza should be a top-flight ground and we’re fighting to keep it that way. This virus has separated us from our fans, but I’m confident we’ll get the job done so we can all be together at our home ground [in Primera].”
Weekend trip to face Real Sociedad
“It’s going to be a tough task, really difficult. They’re a good side with a good coach, they play some really good stuff and they’re doing really well. It’s going to be so, so difficult, like every game in Primera. But we’ll go all out for the three points. We’ll look to play to our strengths and hit them where it hurts.”
