Granero to AS

Esteban Granero told AS about his aspirations this year and how special the Champions League is for the team this season.

Pochettino said Real Madrid’s attack was anarchic. The truth is one can never tell where you are going to attack from…
Yes, but rather than define it as anarchic, I’d say we create several situations in attack that forces defenders not to get used to one scheme or the same players. Anarchic shouldn’t be interpreted as disorganised or irresponsible. We have a lot of liberty and that’s a good thing.

It seems there isn’t a fixed starting lineup…
I’ve always said I believe this team shouldn’t have starters or benched players The squad is excellent and we have to play many games. The same players can’t be on the pitch all the time because they’d get too tired.

What do you feel when you play with Kaka and Guti?
I am delighted to do so, just like with my other team-mates. This club has great players. I am proud of playing for Real Madrid. This team has the best players in the world.

The Granero-Kaka partnership stimulates Madridismo. It is the combination of an academy player and a galactico.
We have connected well. I think our individual skills will make us connect often.

Would you like to be regarded as the twelfth player at the end of the season, or rather as the most surprising footballer of the year?
I don’t want to be the tewlfth player. I am just another member of the squad. I want the coach to count on me and I want to become important. I’m sure I will be a starter in many games if I manage this. My goal is to be a starter. I think being regarded as the most surprising footballer of the year is too much to hope for.

Do you pay attention to what Barcelona do?
Yes, we do, but we also pay attention to what Sevilla do… Barcelona are a direct of opponent, but we can’t obsess about them. We must prepare for one game at a time. Failing to do would be disrespectful to our opponents and they could complicate things for us.

Are you excited about making your Champions League debut?
Yes, and this could be a good year for us in the competition. We want to win the Club’s tenth title and the fact the final will be held at the Bernabeu makes it very special.

Which are the most dangerous teams in the tournament?
They all are. English teams are playing very well. Barcelona, Sevilla, Milan… They will be tough to beat too. It won’t be easy to face Olympique Marseille and we shouldn’t be overconfident against Zurich.