Speaking in an exclusive interview with AS, RB Leipzig and Spain left-back Angeliño discussed playing under Pep Guardiola, La Roja, and admitted his dream is to play for his boyhood club Deportivo La Coruña.
On Nagelsmann and Guardiola comparisons
“In certain things they do resemble each other: in the way of preparing for games, training or knowing what they want. I would say they are 95 percent the same in those aspects. Julian always looks for the opponent’s weakness and always wants to play with the ball, it all depends on that. If we can recover the ball in three seconds, then we can dominate quickly. That makes the team play well. We play attractive football. We create many chances, we have possession. Some matches don’t turn out like that, but generally, we have a lot of chances.”
On failing to hit the same heights under Guardiola
“I believe everything returns to the issue of trust. Before my time in the Netherlands, I was not ready to play for City. But after my time at PSV, I knew I was ready. I also need continuity, not one game every so often. I don’t know what it was, but it was something I didn’t get to have. Then I came to Leipzig and from day one Julian has given me almost everything, and I am very happy.”
The 23-year-old has become a key performer for the German club, since joining on loan from Manchester City and with five goals to his name this season it has been suggested that he could be in line for a first call-up to Luis Enrique’s Spain squad. Playing for the national team is not a priority for the Galician though. Instead, it is Deportivo La Coruña – where he played in the youth team.
“I have to continue along the same lines, trying to do my best here, and then we’ll see [about Spain]. It’s not something I have in mind or that is pushing me. It’s a bonus. The level is high in the left-back position, but as long as everything goes well with my club I will be happy. I am not going to worry if I’m not selected. What I want is for the team to do well and for me to continue playing.”
“Many people ask if the national team is my dream. Well, look, my dream is to play for Depor. I have more in mind to go to A Coruña to play with Depor than to play with the national team. In a few years, I hope to play for Depor. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid.”
