ESPN: You’ve said that you’ve been in therapy, that you’ve seen a psychologist.
Iglesias: I’ve always felt supported by [my teammates], and the coaching staff, and the professionals who help you with these things because they’re trained in it and they have the tools to help you get back to connecting with yourself and to feel happy again, to enjoy yourself. For me, [the psychologists] have given me a way of looking at life which I wasn’t allowing myself to see because I was too demanding.
ESPN: It’s like you have to be strong, do everything well, because in a way if I have this, if I have that …
Iglesias: Of course, how can you not be OK if you have everything? And the truth is I felt like that at times. I used to say ‘I can’t be unwell.’ And of course you can be unwell. Of course one day you can get up and not want to go and train, or another day you go to bed and say ‘what a s—– day,’ forgive the expression. Sometimes it happens, and you also need those days to appreciate the really good things. If it was all good, it would be too easy, right? You won’t make much progress if things don’t get difficult. I’ve suffered in that process, but I appreciate it a lot too.
I think it’s nice to get away from the typical interview, talking only about football. I’d like to see teammates doing something like that, because they have a lot to offer. Sometimes you don’t want to, or the situation doesn’t allow it, or whatever, but it annoys me a lot, the stereotype that footballers don’t have anything to offer. Obviously, there are people who are more qualified, because of their circumstances in life. Everyone’s experience is different. There are experiences that my teammates have had, that they could talk about, and then I can talk about others. It’s nice to listen to other people. Often you put yourself in their place and, as we were saying, you see that they’re people who you might idolise or admire for whatever reason, but they have your problems too.
ESPN: What was a key moment for you?
[Betis captain] Andres Guardado had a big impact on me at a difficult time [last season]. We played at home against Sevilla, the team played really well and I was really bad. I lost the ball a couple of times, when I practically tripped over the ball. That day I went home feeling really down. He noticed and he sent me a message. I remember he said to me: “You’re reaching your peak as a footballer and we all believe in you. Keep going, because you’re almost there.”
And two weeks later, I scored twice (against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on Jan. 26). Since that moment, I’ve had two seasons, or one-and-a-half plus the beginning of this one, that have been really good. I think that message helped me a lot because that day I needed somebody to tell me exactly that. And of course, when Andres Guardado tells you that, who has played in or is going to play in his fifth World Cup (with Mexico), it’s amazing.
ESPN: The balance you have in the dressing room is achieved partly thanks to players with a lot of experience who know how to bring something to strengthen the group.
Iglesias: Totally. What they give us on the pitch, and it’s a lot, is nothing compared to what they give us off the pitch. They see things in a different way, and they’re people who have the ability to express it and help you with three words, in a moment where you’re not even aware of what’s happening. They’ve been a fundamental part of the well-being of the group, because in the good moments they know how to keep all our feet on the ground, and in the tough moments they know to be positive, how to help us grow.
ESPN: What’s it like facing a forward like Karim Benzema?
Iglesias: The truth is he’s one of the [players] I most enjoy watching. I’ve enjoyed watching him for years. In a way, he’s been a bit of a role model for me, seeing that he’s been criticised, that there were a lot of doubts about him. I also think that what’s admirable is the capacity he has to adapt himself to what the team needs. More than what he would really like — because I’m sure he would like to be the main man, always scoring goals and all that — he has adapted.
ESPN: Is that what you’d highlight about him — that maturity, intelligence and adaptability?
Iglesias: Yes, I think those three things are what have helped Karim take that step forwards in the last few years. In terms of technique we’re talking about maybe the most technical forward there is, with a huge capacity to score goals. It’s a pleasure to watch him, because when you see him live, you realise that he doesn’t lose a single ball. Every touch is good, every touch makes sense. He doesn’t look quick, but he’s quick. He’s really good, really good.
