First team goalkeeper David Gil spoke to the media after Wednesday's training session at the club's Ciudad Deportiva complex. The Madrid-born stopper was happy to have made his top flight debut last Saturday but was also self-critical when analysing the match. “Playing your first game in LaLiga Santander is a huge source of happiness for any football player and I'm pleased to have made my debut but am also disappointed with the result. After a number of difficult months for me on a personal level, I was delighted to see the effort and sacrifice translate into my debut in the top flight".
Injuries overshadowed the run-in at the end of last season. “The end of the season and indeed the summer were difficult for me with a number of injuries following the lockdown period hampering the end of the league campaign. I underwent surgery the week before the Rayo game and picked up a problem in my leg after being totally focused on recovering from the issue with my finger which overshadowed all other aches and pains”.
A secret operation. “We kept the surgery a secret as we didn't want to tip other teams off. I had the operation seven days before the Rayo match and with Alberto serving a ban, I had to play and was keen not to let the opportunity pass by. On the very day of the operation, I had no idea if I'd be ready to play, but thanks to the fine work of the physios and the collective drive to have me fit, I overcame the situation and managed to play. I'll always do whatever I can to be match-fit. The operation worked out well and I had three screws inserted in my finger and I'm pretty happy with the end result”.
Cervera has deposited faith in you. “I've always counted on his confidence in me and that's something that I'm grateful for. It's a responsibility every player would want to have. I'm here to win, to do my best and for him to give me this responsibility and to get so much playing time in the second division and indeed the first, is a massive source of satisfaction for me”.
Childhood memories evoked by such a big occasion. “Stepping onto the pitch and warming up ahead of a top-flight game prompted thoughts of all the years of hard work, years of sacrifice which also included last season. As a child you can only dream about playing in the top-flight and it reminded me of the great effort made by my family in bringing me to training sessions. You remember all these things”.
Mistakes are costly in LaLiga Santander. “The Spanish Primera División is the best in the world and we made two mistakes and conceded two goals. Saturday’s game was a rude awakening to the demands at this level. We played well at times but mistakes and errors play a major role in football as we found out last weekend. Our intention is to address this situation and learn and also take something positive from the experience”.
Looking ahead to the Huesca game. “We're now playing in a higher category with a different mentality and Huesca have made some decent signings. It was nice for both sides to be fighting for promotion as we were last season but now the objective for both clubs is to avoid relegation. It's a situation that could see both teams anxious not to slip up and lose points. Huesca have recruited well over the summer and are a stronger side than they were last season".
