Uruguayan Feyenoord player Facundo González has told how he endured the incredible 3-3 draw against Manchester City for the UEFA Champions League after losing 0-3, and spoke about his place at the club.
Facundo González celebrating after Feyenoord’s final against Manchester City. Getty Images
In an interview with the program “I want football” (Radio Sport 890)González said that the result of the match for the European competition “it was incredible“. “The size of the game, the way it was planned and when you see a team like this lose a 3-0 lead, you’d say it’s a great game,” he said.
The Uruguayan stepped in in the 93rd minute to help seal the result for his side. “I found it difficult for the coach to put me in because we were losing 3-0, but when we were scoring goals I thought there might be room for a more defensive player. At the end, a member of the coaching staff asked me if I was ready to go in, I said yes and they immediately told me I had to go in,” he said. He also said that, when he entered, the coach told him that it was him: “to focus on everything, that the defense was the most important thing, to let his teammates know that there was not much left, and that to keep them. Also that I should leave what I have to do in the time I have to play,” he said.
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González added that the team’s resilience is one of the things he likes about the club. ”Until the end we are not going to give up, against any rival. We knew how much competition Manchester City had, but we never had to face the game, and maybe we took advantage of what we had and could have tied it,” he said. .
Afterwards, the Uruguayan stated that Feyenoord took into account that Pep Guardiola’s team was going through a bad streak and that this could have a psychological effect on his players. “You come to the game knowing where you are from. We knew they were coming off a bad streak, and that they were going to go all out to try and prove it. Mentally, football is very treacherous. Often one was on the other side and when you come off a bad streak, you know what’s going through your head at that moment. When you have that energy you have to take advantage of it and we did”, he noted.
The defender also commented on the strange incident that happened with Guardiola, the coach of Manchester City, who appeared at the press conference after the match with an injury to his nose and scratch marks on his head. “We know the nerves that happen in a game in the Champions League. Who knows what could have happened then, but he looked stressed on the bench,” he said.
The gift of Facundo
The 21-year-old Uruguayan was consulted about his place in the Feyenoord squad, and the fact that he doesn’t usually start but comes off the bench.
“I’m growing, I’m looking for those minutes, I’m growing as a footballer and as a person. Last year I was in the Italian Serie B, in Sampdoria, and I was able to adapt well and play 30 games. When I came to Feyenoord I knew I was coming to fight for the job, it wasn’t going to be the same as last year or before in my career, this was real football . The club tells me that they are happy with me, that I have to continue like this, that there are players who are important and who have to play, and I am working every day to be able to work from day by day when the opportunity arises. in front. It’s another reality, but I’m also taking advantage of it to grow physically: I weighed 78 kilos and now I’m 85 or 86“I’m gaining muscle mass,” he said.
How did Feyenoord’s fighting spirit contribute to their comeback in the match against Manchester City?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Facundo González, Feyenoord Player
Editor: Welcome, Facundo! Thank you for joining us today to discuss your incredible experience during the UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City.
Facundo González: Thank you for having me! It was quite a memorable night.
Editor: Indeed, it was! You entered the match in the 93rd minute when your team was down 3-0, and the final score ended in an astonishing 3-3 draw. How did you feel when the coach called you into the game?
Facundo González: Well, I won’t lie, I was pretty nervous. I knew the situation was critical. I found it difficult at first to step in because we were losing, but as my teammates began to score, I felt there might be a chance. When a member of the coaching staff asked if I was ready, I said yes without hesitation.
Editor: Your belief in the team’s potential is commendable. You mentioned that the coach advised you to focus on the defense and keep your teammates calm. How crucial was that communication for you during such a tense moment?
Facundo González: Extremely crucial! Staying focused is key in moments like that. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining our defensive structure and communicated that I should remind everyone that we hadn’t lost yet. The pressure was on, but that encouragement made a significant difference.
Editor: The resilience of your team truly shone through. You’ve spoken about how Feyenoord never gives up until the final whistle. What does that mentality mean to you as a player?
Facundo González: It means everything. That fighting spirit is ingrained in the club’s culture. We believe that until the final whistle, there’s a chance to turn things around—no matter the opponent. Manchester City is an incredible team, but we went into that game ready to compete, and it paid off.
Editor: You also mentioned the psychological aspect of football and how Manchester City was in a difficult moment. How does a team prepare mentally when facing such high-profile opponents?
Facundo González: Mental preparation is key. We always do our homework and understand the circumstances surrounding our opponents. Knowing that City was coming off a rough patch made us recognize that they might not be at their best. football is just as much a mental game as it is physical, and we tried to use that knowledge to our advantage.
Editor: After such a thrilling match, what do you think this result means for Feyenoord moving forward in the Champions League?
Facundo González: This draw shows that we can compete with the best teams in Europe. It boosts our confidence and proves that we have the ability to bounce back from tough situations. Every match is a learning experience, and this one will definitely stay with us as we move forward.
Editor: Thank you, Facundo! It sounds like you and your team have great aspirations moving ahead. Best of luck in your upcoming matches!
Facundo González: Thank you! We’re excited and ready to take on whatever comes next.