2023-10-12 06:30:36
Joan Tomàs Campasol (Girona, 1985) has started a new stage of his life this 2023/24 season. He has not yet officially announced his retirement, but it is a fact. The striker has started the race to become a coach at Peralada, where he is Àlex Marsal’s second in command.
The last time we saw each other was precisely to talk about the retirement with Àngel Martínez. Despite being psyched up since last season, are you ever ready to hang up your boots?
I wasn’t ready. And I’m not now either. I like soccer too much and I especially like playing soccer. There is a moment when you realize that you are no longer performing as you would like… Àlex Marsal offered me to join his coaching staff to act as second coach and he convinced me because, in fact, it is already what I wanted do in the future I’m studying to get my degree. In addition, starting at Tercera was a very good opportunity. I think I can continue to help Peralada, even if it is from outside the pitch.
Did you expect to make the decision this way?
Situations lead you to make decisions. I felt like I could keep playing a bit longer, but it was also true that it was complicated. If I look at it in perspective… The age (38), the injuries… Emotionally and mentally I was going through a bad time. It was difficult because I didn’t feel fully respected, there were several situations with the coach at the time that didn’t make me feel comfortable. Obviously, I wasn’t at my best, but players are selfish and we always want to play as many minutes as possible. When Àlex Marsal took over the team and asked me to be his second, I was clear about it. I have accepted the new role.
Does he feel he made the most of his last few games as a footballer?
I didn’t play much… The truth is that I didn’t say goodbye as I would have liked. I had always imagined it in a different way, being the one making the decision and not being forced to fold.
He has not yet officially announced his withdrawal. Do you respect him?
I have written it several times, but there are so many things I want to say that it takes too long and then I can’t publish it. I don’t want to forget anyone. And it costs… It’s a step that will really be the last moment. For me, football has always been everything. At the age of 14, I left home to pursue my dream of being a footballer and when I announce it I will stop being one. I have to do it not long from now.
Since he returned and signed for Peralada, however, he has half «disconnected» from professional football.
When I arrived two seasons ago, with Héctor Simón as coach, who brought me in, I felt very well. Personally, I had a good year. Last year I also started playing, but then nothing. If I had minutes it was more because other players couldn’t than because they counted on me.
Héctor Simón also started as second coach. Would you like to be first?
It’s the goal. I didn’t want to start as the first, but I want to start little by little. I’m learning a lot with Àlex Marsal because he listens to us a lot and gives us a lot of freedom, without interrupting us when it comes to giving our opinions, even if in the end he’s the one who makes the decisions. I feel very involved. I think that I have plenty of skills and experience in the elite, but I have to understand the dynamics on a day-to-day basis. When you’re on the other side, the perspective changes.
Like for example?
When you’re a player, you only focus on yourself: how you feel, what they do to make you better… It’s all you. You are an individual. On the other hand, when you are in the coaching staff, in our case, you look at the 19 players in the team. You see everything from the outside. Attitudes, which sometimes harm one’s own performance and you don’t see it, reactions… Situations that make me think that maybe I would have done it differently if I had done it differently.
After two seasons, he knows the team inside out.
I have friends at Peralada. Sometimes it might make it a little more complicated, but generally it helps. It’s being very easy and natural, for now. I’m happy.
He is the same age as Alan Baró.
We have known each other for many years. We met in Alicante. Few things can be said to him, but when I see something I try to convey it to him because I see it from the outside. I am lucky that they all accept in a good way what is said to them. They are open to listening and learning, even Alan with a distinguished career. He is a great professional. Apart from the fact that Àlex Marsal is a very open coach and we can discuss everything with the players. It is very important to know what they think.
What is your assessment of the start of the season?
It’s hard to catch the rhythm. A lot of new players have come in, especially in the top plot, and most of them are young. The team needs to adapt. We have to stick with the fact that we have three games in a row adding up and that the last one we managed to draw with three sent off. Look, I’ve been through a lot, but against Tona it might be one of the most surreal games I’ve ever experienced. I felt cheated.
This Sunday they receive the Girona B.
The derby is extra motivation because it’s Girona. Àlex Marsal, the physical trainer and some players have been there for many years. I was “there” when they merged with Penya Buenos Aires… We play at home against the team many of us are fans of. It will be special. If we manage to win, we will come out stronger.
Has your day-to-day life changed much?
No. The routine is the same, with the addition that I’m trying to find a job that can combine with training. I have no experience of anything other than football. I also go to the gym to keep in shape because the physical effort I make is no longer the same and I need to burn energy; I watch more matches of the rivals…
I am proud of my career and excited about the new stage
Are you happy with the new stage?
Yes. I miss football, although every now and then, when a player is missing, I stand in the middle at training and take a bit of the mono. In the end, it’s my life. I’ve been lucky enough to experience unique moments in many places with four promotions, playing in the First Division, the Europa League… I’ve also won a European Cup with the Spanish under-19 team… These are very nice memories. I am proud of my career and excited about the new stage.
He has played in the most exotic leagues. How do you live in Indonesia, Greece or Cyprus?
They have been good experiences. Cyprus is where I have been for the most years and I felt at home there. Greece was more complicated because I went there in the winter and Indonesia… it’s funny. I was lucky enough to go to a big team, like Barça or Madrid in Spain. He had three or four million followers, a barbarity, and there were more than 80,000 people in the stadiums. When we lost, we had to wait three hours on the field because our own fans threw stones at us. But I also scored a goal and it was amazing.
Argentinian captain for the “Bianconeros” of Lloret
Remember what your first paycheck bought?
No. My first salary should be 200 or 300 euros, so I’m sure it wouldn’t be anything special (laughs). I was winning little by little. First big whim was a car and I still have it. It’s a BMW Series 1 from 2009. I’ve never been materialistic or liked to spend more than I could afford.
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