“Manix is ​​different; reach the player in another way to win»

What state of form have the players been in after resuming pre-season?

This year has been a bit atypical because we had to start training very early for the game against Barça and then we had a ten-day holiday to start what would be the normal pre-season this week. We had to establish individual work guidelines for the players so that they were not unemployed during the holidays.

Could the risk of injury be greater?

Yes. Normally in the pre-season you try to go from less to more with the loads, but we found that Barça was coming and in a matter of a week we had to be at our maximum. We adapted so no one got hurt. The luck is that everything has been filmed.

Knowing most of last year’s squad should make things easier.

Totally. I know many of them and they already knew the working dynamics that have to be done. My communication with them is also easier in this aspect. With the new ones that have arrived, it may have been a little more complicated because I didn’t know them and some have come injured. The adaptation process is longer.

Has the heat wave changed the planning you had in mind?

We put a lot of emphasis on hydration. Also when doing tasks in the shade: gym work, recovery… We tried to avoid the sun. On-field planning has been maintained, but we are very much on top of the player so that they are aware of the importance of hydration between sets of exercises.

What aspects does it take into account?

At the beginning the player is not in the state of optimal form to compete. You have to listen to him a lot and do a good planning in the strength and resistance work to gradually increase the load.

How does the new season in the Second Federation look like for the coaching staff?

It’s easier to work when you’ve just gotten a promotion. Illusion, confidence, motivation, expectations… are high. Everyone is happier and the goals seem closer, but in the coaching staff we want to work day by day to see how far we get and if the team adapts. We are ambitious, although at the same time we know that the category is complicated and we are new.

Does it cost to get off the cloud?

Since the arrival of Manix – it was also mine – in the last days, the team has not lost and there is solidity. Why can’t we repeat important things this year? We also have to do the reading that in football you never know and it is complicated. We have to be realistic, down to earth and focus on what is up to us.

Is the stage with Manix Mandiola very different compared to the one he lived with Raúl Garrido?

It’s different. Manix has a different way of understanding the work system. Neither better nor worse, but the player is reached in a different way to try to win the matches. As the physical trainer and second coach that I was, I try to help him so that his game idea has a base behind it, on my part, that makes his job easier.

Before that he was in the national team of Mexico.

It was a short, but intense stage. It opened me up to new visions of football and life. Now I have more experience because I was lucky enough to be with several coaching staffs. I have more resources to plan training and matches. It was a learning experience that also allowed me to evolve as a person. I miss the selection to be able to be in an elite context. There was a lot of level, but I must also say that here in Olot we are lucky that the club is serious and the Royalverd training grounds are spectacular. In the end, you win on one side and lose on the other. I’m fine right now.

Working as a family also adds up?

Of couse. Olot’s philosophy is local, with local people and players from the area. This makes the emotional bond very strong.