Carlos Espí: Mourinho expects a lot from me | OneFootball

The Real Madrid forward has spoken about his move to Los Blancos in an interview with Diario As

Carlos Espí, a Real Madrid player, has been one of the standout performers despite Los Blancos’ dismal start. In fact, just 26 minutes have been enough for the Valencia-born player to play a key role in this opening stretch of the season. His goals against Elche and Espanyol have earned the Merengues four extra points in a start to the campaign in which they trail FC Barcelona by 6 points. In an interview with Diario As, the Spain under-21 international talks about his first few weeks at the Madrid club and his call-up to La Rojita.

Was the Under-21s the step you were expecting, or were you still surprised by the call-up?

"I knew I had a chance. The Under-21 call-up has really motivated me. I’m really, really eager to contribute and help the team in any way I can."

Who are you closest to in the national team?

"Oof, I’d say pretty much everyone. From the Under-19s: Chema, Jacobo, Fer López... They’ve helped me a lot, they’ve welcomed me really well."

Do you see this call-up as a chance to start knocking on the door of the senior team, or would you rather not look that far ahead?

"Hopefully, but right now I’m here on my first Under-21 call-up and I’m really eager to give my all and help the team. I just have to be ready."

Are you impressed by playing with the best in the world?

"The truth is, I come back down to earth when I go to my hometown and see reality. Training with the best in the world is a privilege, and I’m very happy about it."

How do you remember the hectic hours around your move to Real Madrid?

"It was unbelievably complicated (laughs). Just imagine not being able to say you’re signing for Real Madrid! They were tough days, because you want to say it, but you have to stick to what they ask of you. They told us it would happen soon, that we shouldn’t say anything... But all I wanted was to tell my friends (laughs again). You have no idea how many times they asked me if I was going to one team or another. But I couldn’t say anything! Anyway, I’m very happy. And they’re really happy for me too."

At any point, did you consider not signing for Real Madrid?

"(Smiles) Not really. As soon as Madrid came up, we were clear that it was a huge step in my career, a chance to grow and improve every day. You do that in every training session, you learn new things. Every minute I play for Madrid is extra motivation."

What is your relationship with Mourinho like?

"With the career Mourinho has had, the way he welcomed me from day one, how demanding he is with me... It makes me feel more comfortable, more secure, more confident. It’s a privilege that Mourinho is like that with me."

Courtois nicknamed you 'a beast' — does that nickname make you laugh?

"(Smiles) For players like that, with that level and that kind of career, to speak about me like that... It motivates me, it makes me believe in myself. It’s a huge privilege, honestly."

What similarities are there between your game and Joselu’s?

"He is who he is and I am who I am. He took his chances really well, and every time I come on I try to make the most of mine. I do what the boss says, work as hard as possible for Real Madrid. He’s also a reference point up front, so we’re similar. But I focus on myself, on how I can help the team."

What is it like being Mbappé’s backup?

"I’m here to make the most of every opportunity. I want to improve, I want to grow. Training with people like Kylian, Jude... with everyone. It’s incredible to see how competitive they are, how demanding. I’m learning and improving a lot. Every time I come on, I want to give my all and help."

Which teammate has helped you the most to settle in?

"I’d say everyone... They’ve welcomed me incredibly, incredibly well. I was surprised by how close they are. Maybe Fede, Brahim, Carreras, Dean... Honestly, everyone has been very kind and approachable with me."

What does Mourinho ask you to do on the pitch?

"First of all, he always tells me to give my all. Whether it’s 5, 10 or 15 minutes. To leave everything out there. And to help Kylian, who’s next to me, so we can complement each other up front. To stay in the box, because it can drop for me at any moment... And in this case, twice and (smiles) almost three times, it did."

How are you dealing with the team’s poor start?

"We have to stay united and work along the same lines every day, because the results will come. We just have to keep looking ahead and trust ourselves. There are still a lot of matches left."

What do you take away from your years at Levante?

"The family. The support from the fans. The family atmosphere in the dressing room. I feel a bit bad because I haven’t been able to say goodbye. I’ve seen a few of them, but I still haven’t been able to properly. The boss, the kit men... I haven’t seen anyone yet and I feel bad about it. We knew it was difficult and that the only option was to stick together. We were a family and we all moved forward together."

How is the team looking to the future after the derby defeat?

"You always want to win, especially a derby away at Atleti. We’re hurting, of course, but there are still a lot of matches left. We have to stay together and not let our heads drop. I think we’ll pull through. This break is good for us to recharge our batteries and look ahead."

Are you complementary with Gonzalo?

"Gonzalo is a great guy. From day one he’s been brilliant with me, he’s helped me a lot. And whether we play together or separately is up to the boss. We’re both here to give our all and be ready. If it’s together, then to complement each other. And whether one or the other plays, to come on and make an impact. But I’m really happy — he’s positively surprised me with what a good person he is."

Who would you give the Ballon d'Or to?

Mbappé.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.