FC Barcelona stars of
Football and Futsal meet at recent shoot to discuss similarities of the two
sports.
At
a recent shoot for the Nike Football film "Andrés Iniesta: My
Ground", the film's subject caught up with FCB Alusport Futsal counterpart
Jordi Torras, one of the world's best Futsal players, to discuss their
respective sports, motivation and their time at La Masia.
Both of you have won
many trophies in your careers. What motivates you to keep pushing to achieve
success?
Jordi: Personally, I
maintain that ambition because I do something that I like. I think it's
fundamental to have that ambition even though you've won many trophies or even
won everything you can. For me it's crucial.
Andrés: As Jordi says,
challenging yourself is fundamental, as is the desire to win and to keep
improving. Obviously, nobody likes to lose. We all like playing well and being
recognized for what we achieve.
What are the similarities
between futsal and 11-a-side football?
Jordi: In my opinion, there
are many similarities to the way the current Barcelona team play. Their
midfield is amazing. When we see their touch and control, their understanding,
the passing and movement, the shielding – these skills are normal in futsal, so
there are many similarities.
Andrés: I love futsal. I
personally enjoy it a lot. As a professional footballer, perhaps the tactical
elements and movement in the game gets lost on you. But what I love is their
skill with the ball, the intensity of the moves, the side steps, the blocks,
the passing. Watching it is a real pleasure. I take my hat off to futsal
players because it's extremely difficult. Watching it on TV is different to
when you train or play it for real.
Jordi, what aspect of
Andrés Iniesta's game would you like to have?
Jordi: He never loses the
ball. It honestly looks like he's dancing with the ball, that he's always in
control of it although he's surrounded by four or five opponents. I love watching him do that.
And you, Andrés, what
aspect of Jordi's game do you admire?
Andrés: For me his ability
on the ball is key. As a midfielder who likes to be in possession, controlling
the ball will always be crucial. Looking at him and his team-mates making
split-second decisions on the ball, when they bring it under control — I love
it when Jordi has the ball.
When
you're young and in your hometown and the only thing available is a school
playground to play futsal — well, I've always said that today Andrés Iniesta is
a footballer, but I grew up playing futsal on the playground, which I believe
has a lot to do with many of the things that I can do today.
If you had to choose
one moment in your careers that is most special to you, what would it be?
Andrés: For me it was the
day I made my debut in the Barcelona first team. When I was young I never
thought about achieving so much; my goal was to become a La Liga player. It was
a dream that I spent years pursuing at la Masia.
Jordi: I see where I am now
as success, the day-to-day, that for me is the main achievement, apart from all
the trophies I have won. Enjoying these moments, the important games for your
club and the national squad — for me, these moments, the feeling of a must-win
game, that is something unique and incredible. I think that only the players on
the pitch can experience that.
Both of you grew up
in la Masia. What is it about la Masia that makes it so special?
Andrés: I think that what
makes it special is that you grow up at home. It's a special feeling. When you
make it to the first team after so many years, after pursuing a dream that
becomes closer to reality on a daily basis, after working so hard — when you
feel part of something, when you really feel it, it makes it yours. I believe
that this is the essence, the secret of those who grow up in La Masia, we have an
added bonus that makes it different.
Jordi: My experience at La
Masia is totally different to that of Andrés. He has always been part of the
Barcelona set-up, from the Academy to the first team. I was in the Academy and
was moulded there. But futsal was non-professional and very different than what
it is now. I knew that staying in
Barcelona at that time wasn't the best for me. And I had to make a difficult
decision to try something new as each person has to find their own way in order
to grow. When they asked me to return three years ago I didn't think twice.
It’s great to be here at home, as captain of the team, lifting trophies up and
watching how futsal has grown considerably.
Andrés you mentioned
that you started playing futsal in your home town. How did playing futsal help
you become the player you are today?
Andrés: When I started, or
when I played futsal, I didn't think about becoming a footballer. I played
futsal just like many of my friends. We spent hours on the school playground.
It was an education that I've carried with me all these years. As I said
before, my game today is what it was when I was 8 to 10 years old. I've
obviously improved through having to compete and be better, and also thanks to
the support and coaching I have received from the best professionals. But,
without a doubt, what I was when I was younger is what I continue to be today.
Do you still play
futsal or is it consigned to the past?
Andrés: No, because of my
job, I rest in the spare time that I have because our schedules are very tight.
But I still watch and follow it. It’s a sport that I like a lot.
You have tried the
new Nike Elastico Finale II (when filming the "My Ground’ video for Nike
Football) – how did they feel?
Andrés: They're fantastic,
considering I played on a surface I don’t usually play on with a ball I don’t
play with. They were extremely comfortable and I felt great wearing them. In my
opinion, comfort is fundamental in football and in the Elastico shoe.
Jordi you wore the
new Nike Lunar Gato II during the shoot. What were they like?
Jordi: These shoes are
great for me. After one training session with the Gatos, they already feel
perfect. The sole has changed — it's much more flexible. This is key on this
surface. The feel you have for the ball and the court is great especially when
turning on the ball. The leather is also much softer, it feels like a sock.
Finally, what was it
like to film "Andrés Iniesta: My Ground" together?
Andrés: It was great experience
to spend some time with the professional futsal players and I had a fantastic
time.
Jordi: For us to have a
player of the calibre of Andrés Iniesta on our court really helps us to
improve. Futsal is a sport that is on the up and gaining more and more
recognition, especially here in Barcelona, and to work with Andrés was a
pleasure.
