Cádiz CF striker Rubén Sobrino is the latest player to speak with Cádiz CF TV, the club’s official media team, to share his thoughts on a variety of subjects related to Los Amarillos, from how he has adapted to the team since joining in the January transfer window, to how he sees the future of Álvaro Cervera's squad for the remainder of the season.
The team
From when I signed here through to today the team has got better, and I think this has been shown in recent games. I feel we played well against Villarreal, and we deserved more from it. But football is like that. I can see that the team is motivated and full of desire to reach our objective as quickly as possible.
Defined style of play
From day one, I saw Cádiz doing very well with that incredible first half of the season. They have a very defined style of play. All of the players would die for the manager. I think this is an important factor in order to achieve our objective.
Good atmosphere
People from the Cádiz region are known for their good spirits and from my first day they have made me feel right at home, as if I had been here for ages. As the new guy, I think that’s been important for me. They’ve been very welcoming and this is key for a player's confidence.
Relationship with Cervera
My relationship with the manager is good. We don't know each other very well, and we haven't spoken much because I’m shy and it was tough at the start. But I think the connection we have with each other is good. Cervera has a phenomenal relationship with the players and everyone is made to feel important.
Adapting to the club
For any player, adapting is always difficult. I came from a different club, a different team and it was challenging. The style of play here is more akin to what we had at Alavés and the dressing room is similar, whereas at Valencia it was different. That club has different goals and the style of play is not the same. It's tough, but it was something that wasn't new to me. I have tried to adapt as quickly as possible and I will aim to give my best.
Battle to get into the starting XI
There is always plenty of competition for places in LaLiga Santander. To get into the starting eleven is very difficult and takes a lot of effort. I'm just very happy to be able to help the team out as much as I can. I'm really pleased about that.
Playing alongside Negredo
Getting along with Negredo is easy. I didn't know him before. It’s difficult to get to know someone so humble yet amiable. He is a very well known footballer and that makes his humility so very impressive. Playing alongside him is easy as he supports you a lot on the pitch. If there are any doubts, we always talk about how to help the team. He makes things pretty easy for you.
Good atmosphere in the dressing room
If we all keep talking about it, there’s clearly a reason. I've been at teams where we all got on before, but this is something special. Some have come from the Segunda División, some haven't played at the elite level, and you can see the desire and enthusiasm to stay in the top flight for as many years as possible. That enthusiasm gives a boost to any other player that may be less energised. It's a good dressing room when the positive atmosphere can help solve any problems or doubts you may have.
Player reunions
I was at Girona with Alcalá and I’ve been alongside Álex Fernández for six or seven years - I’ve played with him for a number of years. I always had a good relationship with him. I hadn't seen him for several years; we didn't talk as much as we did back then, but when we saw each other again it was as if no time had passed. It was the same with Alcalá. When they saw me here, they tried to help me with everything.
Fighting for survival
The team looks good to me. We played a sound game at La Cerámica, but we know we still have things to improve. If we keep a clean sheet we know we have a decent chance. It’s always good to pick up points. It’s clear to me that the team is full of desire, confidence and enthusiasm. When I arrived the team was going through a poor run of form but now it's completely different.
Next opponent: Valencia
It's going to be a really tough match. Valencia is a great club, I know them well. At an individual level they have great players, good enough to be much higher up the table. It's going to be very tough. Just because they're doing badly doesn't mean they're going to be bad on the day. They have great potential and we have to be very aware of that. Let's hope that we get the victory that we need.
Our fans
It’s such a shame not to be able to be out and about in Cádiz and to be unable to enjoy the pre-match build-up with the fans. I’ve seen the fans here on TV and I’ve always been amazed by them. l really miss not seeing the fans. I would so much love to enjoy being with them at Carranza.
