Manu Nieto He was introduced as a new Elche CF player this Wednesday. On loan from Andorra with option to buy until the end of the season.
Why did you choose Elche and what does your arrival at Elche club mean?
I chose Elche because it seemed to me a very exciting scenario, a very big club, with a lot of experience, last year in the First Division and willing to fight to get back to the top category this year. I am very excited and want to contribute as much as possible to bring the results. I come with great desire and excitement.
Koç says that promotion is a dream rather than a goal or obligation…
Yes, this is more than a goal, it is a dream. And in the first days I could see that excitement, how the coach and the team worked. We must row together to achieve this dream. I found a good atmosphere in the club and in the locker room.
Is he more of a pure centre-forward or second striker?
I see myself as a complete player. I can play both as a second striker and as a fixed forward and I am ready to show it.
What did the coach ask you in these early days?
It mainly requires desire and enthusiasm from me. Let him adapt quickly, it will be easy because he has a very good locker room with great professionals and teammates.
After becoming the star of Eldense, he returned to Andorra. Why didn’t you play there and what does it mean on a personal level to now do so in a team like Elche after playing in the Primera RFEF last season?
Football is like that. I started playing in Andorra and then I stopped playing. I didn’t have any problems with the coach (Eder Sarabia), it was a decision made by the coach who stopped trusting me and that has to be respected. Coming to Elche is a very important step in my career. It may surprise me a little where I’ve come from, but I like to move forward step by step, knowing where I am and with utmost humility. I am extremely ambitious, this is a step forward in my career and I am ready to take advantage of it.
How would you describe yourself as an actor?
I’m a bit of an anarchist. I like to play across the entire offensive line, enjoy it and not be a static striker. I like to get down to receive the ball and press defenders and I have a lot of mobility. I am an actor who enjoys what he does.
Now, with Óscar Plano’s injury, he will have to take on the responsibility of scoring goals…
The responsibility for scoring goals does not belong to a single player, but to the whole team in general, as in defense. I came here to add, but I also take that responsibility. I have no pressure, I come to enjoy, play and improve.
What impressions do you have of Beccacece after these first days?
Very good. He brings great passion to what he does and works to achieve the dream that we all want: to be supported.