Andrea Barnó San Martín

THE MOST DIFFICULT INTERVIEW

Andrea Barnó San Martín, born 4-1-1980 in Estella (Navarra, Spain). Captain and center of SD Itxako, she starts the present season after leading the team the previous one to its highest level ever, winning the ABF League and the EHF Cup for the first time. Usual member of the Spanish national team since 2008, Andrea was part of the national team guided by Jorge Dueñas that reached the silver medal at the European Women’s Handball Championship the same year. At present, she expects to have a chance to repeat and to participate in the Beijing World Championship this December.

Spanish Version

Let’s start Andrea, are you worried?

Just at times.

Prophet at home, indisputable Itxako headline and captain, Spanish national team member, “Estellesa of the Year 2008” … What title would you like to add to your trophy room?

Well, there are still many but overall I want to repeat those that I’ve won. Of course we lack the Queen’s Cup and the Champions League, but I think this one is really difficult.

Daniel Constantini, legendary French coach said:  “Without center, pivot or goalkeeper, you can not play this game called handball” What do you think about this sentence?

I agree but just in part, wings can spend a whole match without receiving a single ball and so many times they have to throw and score in the last second for winning the match. The backs also… I think that any position is essential in handball, all have their own role in the movie and there are not secondary actors or actresses. That is one of the reasons why handball is so attractive.

Andrea, you started to play handball by your sister’s hand when you were 11. Knowing how hard can be this sport at your level. Honestly, have you ever hated that your sister had taught you this?

Of course I don’t hate her, but sometimes I felt helpless when things don’t go in correct way, when I was not in good shape, beset by injuries. It’s just a question of suffering and patience; just have to keep working to recover.

What was the best offer that you have had to reject?

I had to give up more job offers than sports ones. It was really hard for me when I had to give up my job to devote to handball without even knowing if I was going to have a truly future in it.

Describe your ideal day.

This clearly depends on the days and weeks, the preseason, if there’s a league match or champion’s league too, if I’m with the national team… All week is organized according to the match we have. 8.45 Breakfast, training from 10.00 to 12.00, lunch at 14.00, training from 17.00 to 19.45. After that, depending on the day I go to physiotherapist or pool. Besides, if I don’t have training in the morning I use to study, prepare the cadets’ training or just for relax.

Which do you think are the virtues that a good centre should have?

Having control of the smallest details, sets the pace of play, how to interpret the weaknesses of the opposing defense to take the game more for that area, and finally, being able to take the baton of the orchestra.

What would you like to improve in your game?

Technical aspects of individual quality, passing and shooting mostly.

One for the team. ABF champions, EHF Cup, Spanish Super Cup just a few days ago, are letting the bar really high, how is going to be this season?

Complicated, very complicated especially because of Champion’s league, although it’s an award for a year of effort, it also means a greater exigency, travels, pace … It can affect you for the other competitions and you have to distinguish properly at any time what is the priority.

I’m not sure if there’s a limit for tributes, but I’m sure that even the tributes could be tiring, talking about them, Do you recommend me the Zarzuela’s Palace? What about the King?

We noticed a terrible change in media coverage, and go to Zarzuela has been a “point”, but without detracting the other awards we have had. Maybe now that we have gone to the Zarzuela, it gave us the “plus” we need to win the Queen’s Cup, hehe…

Who has been or is your “soul mate” in handball?

I’m lucky because I have had very good partners. But perhaps the years in which I shared with my sister are those that I remember with more affection.

Who was your childhood idol?

Richardson, Masip, unfortunately no women because back then female handball was relayed even less than now.

Playing to their level and lead a normal life is obvious that are two  practically incompatible things, were there anything that were difficult for you to resign?

Perhaps I’m the member that has to give up less because I play in my city. I see my family, partner and friends almost when I want to. But of course you give up to your normal life in the family and especially the possibility of motherhood.

What’s your worst sporting memory?

Every game we lose, especially the finals, EHF Cup, Queen’s Cup qualifying...

The relaxing question: Choose an actor and tell me why

I love Brad Pitt, it is clear that physically is fine but I also love his movies. I have no special actress.

Whom do you most admire outside of handball?

The truth is that I don’t have an especially idol, But there’s something that always amazes me and it’s the hard work of each mother. I value they’re able to keep their own job, keeping the house, educate their children, be aware of the family, organizing everything …  Unbelievable.

Tell me a book and a song.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet, and any Manu Chao song.

If Andrea’s future is in coaching. Which team will you like to coach?

So far, the female cadet team.

And the last question… In December, could you bring me a postcard from China?

Well, I hope the postcard will come from China, otherwise I’ll send you one from Estella that also has its charm, hehe…

José María “Chema” Rodríguez Vaquero

THE MOST DIFFICULT INTERVIEW

José María “Chema” Rodríguez Vaquero, born 05-01-1980 in Palencia and proud of it, settled in Valladolid from childhood. Player called to mark an era, historic and main leader of the Spanish national team champion of the Tunisia 2007 World Cup, has divided his career on two teams until present, Balonmano Valladolid where this player was born and grown and where he later was a basic element on the succeeding of the club’s first national trophies, and in BM. Ciudad Real, where he arrived marking the most expensive signing in handball’s world history until that time. His vast achievements includes the aforementioned World Championship, 2 European Champions Leagues, 2 ASOBAL league championships, 3 King’s Cups, 3 ASOBAL Cups, 1 European Super cup and a Spanish one.

Spanish Version

Chema, let’s begin the interview. Are you afraid?

No I’m not, coming from you I know that it can’t be wrong, I don’t think you want to put me in a tight spot, at least I hope it.

Your achievements are impressive. Certainly you’re a real record man. Is it difficult to keep your illusion after winning everything?

Of course not, I still remain many things to achieve, among others I want to take part in the Olympics and if possible qualify for a medal, it would be amazing. Besides I’m one of those who think that if you are not excited playing the sport that you love, you should quit.

Let’s start from the beginning. When you were a child, what will you dreamed to be?

The truth is that I’ve been lucky because I’ve always liked sports and had always dreamed of being an elite athlete. Although at first I played football, I recognize that handball has fulfilled my dream over.

Those who really know you, say that one of your greatest assets is to keep your lifelong friends. That, of course, is one of your successes. Will you dare to define yourself?

Well, I think I am a simple person who likes to enjoy his family and friends, who tries to be happy and make others happy, which is sincere and seeks by all means be a good person. On the other hand, I am very competitive and often very rockcod.

Ciudad Real had paid 800,000 Euros for your services. That amount weights too much?

Yes, initially it was, but that was as a mere anecdote of my sporting career. Besides after that there were paid some more expensive signings, like the Rutenka and Karabatic ones, and so the pressure on me is gone.

How it’s possible to start playing in La Salle courtyard in Valladolid, and get to be a world champion, Europe champ, win ASOBAL league, and being the most expensive signing in the history of this sport?

Well, I think the main thing is always be yourself, don’t ever stop working, try to keep always enthusiasm on and not stop learning, there is always someone or something from we can learn and that every day makes you better.

3 consecutive leagues, 2 Champions … Ciudad Real, has reached its top?

I don’t think so, we’re trying to overcome ourselves every day, and we all know that the most difficult thing is not to reach but keeping you on top. We have a choice to mark an era in this sport and so we work every day trying to always keep winning, but always in humility and knowing that it’s very difficult to remain at this level.

Let’s start the necessary questions. Would you have liked to play another position?

Not really, I enjoy a lot my position. further, taking into account my corpulence and my short jump, I really think that I wouldn’t have had any chance in another position.

Who do you think has been the most important person in your career?

There have been many, from my first coaches at La Salle, to the mainly three most influential people in me, these last were Juan Carlos Pastor, “Jota” Gonzalez and Raul Gonzalez.

Who was/is your “soul mate” in handball?

Well I think there have been two, the first one is Raul Gonzalez who taught me everything as a player and as a person, I owe him much of what I am. The other one is Miguel Angel Velasco (Naturhouse Rioja), which is one of the most similar persons to me not only in sports, but in the way of thinking and seeing our sport, a good friend.

Let’s make a question for relax, may you tell me the name of an actress, model, singer … you like particularly?

I’ll say Beyoncé Knowles, I think she is a complete artist, really beautiful, able of doing very good music and surprising with each song.

Returning, who was your childhood idol?

Jackson Richardson, I think that was one of the best centers in history, certainly one of the smartest, most elegant and most fair playing I’ve ever seen.

And outside of handball, Who deserves your admiration?

Without a doubt my parents, hopefully one day I’ll be able to raise a family and being as happy as they and their children are

Who you dislike? Please, don’t be Ashamed

If I tell you the truth I do not ever stop to think who dislike me because I don’t like that something pessimistic could affect me.

Which field has impressed you most?

I’ve been in many, but certainly full of people the field that impressed me much and where more pressure is generated is in Huerta del Rey, Valladolid. Their fans push you a lot in every match.

Chema, it may be difficult but, what was your worst sporting moment?

Unfortunately, the worst was when I broke my Achilles tendon in my first season in Ciudad Real, sadly that same year I was going to play the Beijing Olympics but I couldn’t. For me it was really hard to overcome, but fortunatelly, today I can say that I’m fully recovered,  and I’m really proud of it.

Tell me a famous quote, a historical person and a moment of your life:

A quote I try to remember is “CARPE DIEM” (seize the moment), I don’t have a special historical person, but the most important and beautiful moment of my life, with no doubt, was when I married my wife Laura.

Did you have fear during any match?

No, it is impossible to suffer any fear while you’re doing what you like.

Outside the handball. Do you fear anything?

The only fear I have is the possibility of being alone without my wife, my family or my friends, I love them so much and so I can’t imagine living without them.

What will you plan to do when you finish your sport career?

I hope to return to Valladolid, and if I am lucky enough to have saved enough to create a business, I would love living my life alongside the people I love. It is an idyllic dream, but I hope to achieve it.

Will you dare the last question?

Yes, just because we reach here, we will.

Just released, Is Marriage Hard?

(Smiles) No, not for me, I’ve married the most wonderful woman on the planet and therefore I consider myself the luckiest man in the world just by being with her, so I have to say that for me, marriage is fabulous.

Jesús Javier “Jota” González

THE MOST DIFFICULT INTERVIEW

Jesús Javier González, born in 2-2-1972 in Valladolid,  began his professional career by the hands of Juan Carlos Pastor as his assistant coach and responsible for Balonmano Valladolid´s Academy. Along this time, he succeeded the “King´s Cup” two times and the club’s first “Asobal Cup”  with the senior team, 4 Spanish Championships  under-17, one under-15, one under-21,  3 2nd National Division Championships and its corresponding promotions to 1st National Division along ten seasons. At present, begins his 3rd season at the helm of Naturhouse La Rioja handball club, under his commandment the team has made history getting access to the EHF European Competition for 1st time.

Spanish Version

Will you dare to be interviewed?

Of course I will, and even more so because the interviewer is a former member of St. Viator`s and Balonmano Valladolid’s old guard.

How do you define yourself?

I think I am a good person who tries to help whenever I can to those who surround me at any time. I consider myself a hard worker and I effort myself in every thing I’m involved with, in order to get things done as best as possible. But any way I think that I have many things to improve, like trying to be a little bit more positive and motivating to my players, besides I think that I shouldn’t worry so much with every thing that goes wrong every day and enjoy more of life.

What will you dreamed to be in the future when you were a child?

When I was a child I wanted to be a missionary, you know, for helping people. After that, I’d wanted to be a teacher, thing that later became real, and by the way, a maths teacher. But I never dreamed of being a coach handball, this is something that has arisen on the path

Who has been the most important person in your sporting life?

In my career there were many important people and I wouldn’t like to forget anyone. My first handball coaches in San Viator (Valladolid), Alberto Muñiz y Julio de Paz, who showed me this sport, they were important for me. After them, Juan Carlos Pastor and Raul Gonzalez, from whom I learned a lot of handball to get where I am. But what really makes you bigger are the great players that I´ve trained, that fought every match in order to win every championship. And also there were presidents, managers, medical services, … who have helped me a lot.

What do you think is your best feature as a coach? ¿and what would you like to improve?

Maybe my biggest feature is the work and constant dedication to trainings and games. I would like to improve the ability to transmit knowledge, positive motivation and enthusiasm to the team.

Who was/is your “soul mate” in handball?

I think that the person with I identify most in handball’s opinion as well as in personal and sport things is Raúl González, Ciudad Real’s assistant coach

Which team would you like to coach?

At this point in time, honestly I like so much coaching my team, the “Naturhouse La Rioja”, by now,  it fills my dreams and we’re living a brand new illusion, this season is going to be historic for the team because we are going to play an European Competition for the first time.

Which player would you like or have liked to train?

I never had a specific player whom I like to train more than the rest. I love to coach players like I’ve had in the Balonmano Valladolid Academy, because they had an special complicity beyond the handball.

Who do you admire most outside the handball?

I admire anyone that lives his life for others and certainly to those who can be happy and enjoy the simple things in life.

Which trophy or prize do you like most? What is your personal dream in handball?

Personally I like the championships that I won with the Balonmano Valladolid´s younger teams. My dream is to have a team in which everyone will join in order to reach the collective objective over the individual one, just like a real family, that feels the successes and failures of every member.

Would you like to change that dream instead of your own personal dreams?

I have no personal dreams, but I think that everything is closely related. If you enjoy what you do, you will be happier.

Outside Spain, which team do you like most? Why?

Perhaps for academy’s structure, teams, and their club point of view, I like Kolding club in Denmark. But I must say that it´s just for references, I have not seen or lived it still.

Within our League, which team do you think will be most difficult to beat?

Ciudad Real has been more than the hardest team in last seasons. Personally, I think that for us,  keeping the same level than in the previous season would be a very difficult challenge to achieve

Returning to the personal questions, what do you like to do in your free time?

I am really all day working in handball. Now I’d like to learn English, which  I am sure comes in handy.

Tell me a place, a person and a drink:

A place: home sweet home. A person: Raul Gonzalez. A drink: Water

What’s your worst fear?

That life continues happening, without enjoying it.

What will you plan to do when you finish your sport career?

I already finished my career in Mathematical Sciences and I was working as a teacher until I came to Logroño. I have great memories of great students and teachers I had in my loved School “Amor de Dios”

Welcome / Bienvenidos

Welcome lovers of our ” King of Sports ” to this blog focused to knowing a little bit more the people that surround and make bigger “our” handball thanks to ” THE MOST DIFFICULT INTERVIEW “.

Of course, you are more than free to comment or to show your opinions that sure will make this space much better.

Let’s start

Bienvenidos amantes de nuestro “Deporte Rey” a este blog enfocado a conocer un poco más a las personas que rodean y hacen más grande “nuestro” balonmano gracias a “LA ENTREVISTA MÁS DIFICIL”.

Por supuesto sois más que libres para comentar o mostrar vuestras opiniones que seguro, harán mucho mejor este espacio.

Comencemos

Spanish Version: http://welovehandball.wordpress.com