Q&A: Getting to know Manu Morlanes

Villarreal midfielder Manu Morlanes is one of the rising stars of Spanish football. He’s become a regular in Javi Calleja’s first-team squad this season, after rising through the ranks, since arriving at Villarreal in 2012.

How did your footballing career start?

Well, I started aged five playing for my neighbourhood’s team in Miralbueno, then a few years later I moved to another side, in Zaragoza, called Oliver, then Zaragoza called me, I was there a for a number of years and then Villarreal rang me and here I am.

When did you sign for Villarreal?

Well it was around seven years ago if I remember correctly. This is my seventh season here.

How did you hear of Villarreal’s interest in you?

Well, if I’m not mistaken, I’d just played a game at Real Zaragoza’s training ground. I can remember that we won and when I finished, my father told me that Villarreal had asked for me and it was nothing official but I think that yes, they asked about me.

Were there any other teams interested in you?

No, I don’t think so.

How would you describe your playing style?

Well, I consider myself a team player. I always try to do what the coach tells me. I’m a midfielder and I like making assists pass and helping the team play. Anyway, as I’ve said, I always help my team mates.

Do you have a football role model?

I’ve never been someone to focus on a footballer in particular, I do take more notice of other players in my position. Since I’ve been here,, I’ve had Manu Trigueros as a role model as his playing style is similar to mine and it’s always great to be able to see him train and play at the stadium.

You say Manu Trigueros is a reference point for you. When you arrived at Villarreal, did you have much contact with the first team?

Well, as you all know, we eat and do all the activities basically next to them in the residence, we’re in the same building and when you come here, it is obvious that you can see them from a certain distance as they are your role model but, as I’m telling you, they are very close people with whom you can talk about any issue, they are very cool.

You mentioned the residence. How did you find living there?

Manu: Bueno, al principio como todos, es duro separarte de tus padres y de los amigos pero bueno, yo creo que como al final todos en la residencia estamos en la misma situación, es más fácil y al final acabas acumulándote.

Well, in the beginning like everyone, I found it hard to be separated from my parents and friends but I think that as everyone is in the same situation in the residence, it’s easier and in the end you get used to it.

Villarreal is like a family. Have you made many friends here?

Yes, I’ve been here for so many years and I’ve gone through so many teams that in the end, you will always have people who you get on better with and who end up being your close friends.

Who is your closest friend here?

It’s hard to name just one. I’ve spent more time with people like Dani Villa, Pepe Castaño, Álex Millán, Joan Femenías, but as I’ve said, there are so many people that I know that I’m sure I’ve forgotten one. You’re here for so many years that in the end you end up having quite close relationships.

What impression did you have of the facilities when you first came here?

When I saw it for the first time, I was speechless. I can only remember that I told my dad that I wanted to come here. When you come here, you realise the club is like a family where you watch the first team play, see them very close. That’s why I didn’t have any doubts about coming here to grow as a footballer.

Do you remember your first experience with the first team?

Well, I cannot remember well the trainings but it’s true that I remember my debut with the first team in the Europa League against Maccabi Tel Aviv. What’s more, there were many academy players who were playing which was very nice. In the end, it’s our joint goal that we’ve had since our childhood and the fact that we made it come true is even more exciting.

How was the game?

When you are young, you can see it all from a distance but when you’re there, on the pitch, at the beginning you feel nervous but when the ball kicks off, you have to do what you know best.

How was your debut in LaLiga?

Good, it was against Real Sociedad, the first game of the 2018/19 season. Sincerely, it was a bitter debut because we couldn’t win but I felt very comfortable thanks to all my team mates who made it special.

Now, you’re a more regular part of the first team, a bit more than last year. How is to be a first-team player?

As I said before, it was my goal. It’s the best thing for any kid who was in the residence. They are people who help you a lot, in the end they are top footballers and be with them, try to learn and assimilate as much as you can and in general enjoy it all.

We have quite a good academy here. If you were to give advice to academy players, what would you do to play in the first team?

When you are young and come here, I think the most important thing is to enjoy it and take as much as you can from it because you don’t know how long it’s going to last. At the end, when you come here, you can’t be sure you’ll make it to the first team. That’s why, they should enjoy their time here.

What has been your best moment here?

Well, I cannot tell you only one. I’ve spent very good moments here. As I said, I’ve been here 7 years and it’s enough time to have lived great experiences.

Have you ever had a hard time because of some injuries?

Yes, football sometimes has its dark side but it also helps you grow as a person and footballer at the same time… It was a long injury and I didn’t play for almost a year but it was when I had time to realise that there is also life beyond football.

How did you feel when you got back to playing?

Well, not playing for basically one year and getting back to what you’ve been doing since you were young is a unique feeling.

What would you say to other players who are in situations like that now?

Well, at the end, things like that are part and parcel of the game. Sometimes, football can give you things like that, and some players don’t suffer it. It’s important to face their spell injured with a keenness to get back, hard work, and to be calm as they will be the same player they were before. They need to work day by day.

How can you describe Villarreal to our American academies, many of the players haven’t been ?

Villarreal, as we all know, is like a family. When you come here, you realise it’s unique. Everyone says that and it’s true. The fact that you can watch the first team play and even see the directors watching the youth team it even more special.

You’ve been a captain for your national team. How did you feel?

A very special moment, one of, let’s say, the happiest of my short career till now. Well, it’s when you can see your parents excited that you realise you’ve done very well in your life.

Has that been your best moment in your career or have you had any others?

No, I would say that making my debut and playing in the European Championships final were two of the biggest memories I’ve had with in the national team.

What football goals do you still have in your career?

Well, I still have many goals to fulfil. The first one is to be a regular first-team player and I work day by day for to reach my goals.