"I could not say no to Paulo Sousa"

Videoton have a new goalkeeping coach in the name of Alejandro Rosalen Lopez

As an introduction to this interview, let me ask out of interest: who you regard as the best goalkeeper in the world today?

No question: It has to be the Real Madrid keeper, Iker Casillas. You could say that I am biased, although I have played for Valencia, I have been a Real Madrid supporter since my childhood. Casillas controls the pitch: he is always in the right place at the right time. He is in a great condition, very quick, and focused. If you would have asked me the same question a couple of years ago, then I would have said Luigi Buffon, the Juventus goalkeeper, but now Iker is better.

You mentioned that you had played for Valencia. Please could you list the teams you played for during your playing career!

I came through the youth system at Valencia, before moving to Levante, where I joined their U19 side. I then had spells with Spanish second division sides Huesca and Lliria. I also had a period with third division Orotava, where I finished my career. That was ten years ago. I injured my right elbow, and despite operating it, it was never the same as before. I became a goalkeeping coach at the end of my playing career. I first moved back to Lliria, before a two-year spell with Valencia. I began with their youth sides, before moving to the U19 team. I also had to help the first team as well. I worked together with José Manuel Ochotorena, who was the goalkeeping coach at Valencia. Ochotorena is also the Spanish national team coach, and played a part in the World Cup and two European Championship's, that the Spanish won. I enjoyed the working relationship with him, and learned a lot at the same time. 

The offer then arrived from Videoton, and you made the change. Did you take long to give your answer? 

No. I can say honestly, that perhaps Paulo Sousa is the only person in the world, that I would have said yes to his offer. I did not need a single minute to decide that I would be coming to Hungary. As I understand, Paulo has been following my work for a while now. I was very pleased when he phoned me up. This work is a big chance for me, and I have to say that I have had a very good impression until now. This is a serious club and the conditions are superb. 

What is your opinion of the goalkeepers at Videoton from the short time you have been here?

Although I have not been at the club too long, I can calmly say from what I have seen so far, that we have the best keepers in Hungary. I would like to move ahead, and would like the goalkeepers to read the game better. A keeper should not do anything unnecessary during a game. If he is called upon, then he should do it at the best moment.

Will your family be coming to Szekesfehervar?

Sadly not at the moment. Even though I really like the town and country, my wife cannot leave her work in Lliria right now. We do not have any children, but we do have three dogs, and they also find it hard to move. They will all feature in our future plans, so that the whole family will be here in Szekesfehervar.

Author: David Rechnitzer

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