19
Pasaporte a Europa // Passport to Europe Spring 2012

Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Made In Orriols Issue Spring-Primavera 2012 Levante UD

Citation preview

Page 1: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

Pasaporte a Europa // Passport to Europe

Spring 2012

Page 2: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

2 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

Contents / Contenido

"Pasaporte a Europa // Passport to Europe"

Spring-Primavera 2012

Club

Match Preview: Levante-Athletic (5 may 2012) ,

Player Evaluations & Awards (2011-12 season)

First Team

Player Focus: Vicente Iborra

Born In The USA

El año que viene Levante-Liverpool

La prórroga

Un primo se hace del Levante

English YouTube (Online Only)

Levante's 2011-2012 Season

Page 3: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

3 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

Match Preview: Levante-Athletic (5 may 2012)

Publicado por Deán Burrier Sanchis

Europe Awaits the Best Levante

This Sunday at 8:00pm in Spain (2:00pm EST), La Liga will play its final round of

games, with battles still wide open for european positions as well as salvation. Fates will

be decided for many teams, including Levante, the darling little team that has hung

around all year with the big boys. Nine months of effort, courage, pride, perserverance

and glory come down to 90 minutes. Will Levante be able make the most of those 90

minutes and obtain a European spot?

Page 4: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

4 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

4. Málaga 55 HOME versus Sporting de Gijón

5. Atlético Madrid 53 AWAY at Villarreal

6. Mallorca 52 AWAY at Real Madrid

7. Levante 52 HOME versus Athletic Bilbao

8. Osasuna 51 AWAY at Racing de Santander

9. Athletic Bilbao 49 AWAY at Levante

10. Sevilla 49 AWAY at Espanyol

Currently, Levante is not in a european position (Only top 6 go to Europe).

Levante will need to win and hope that one of its European rivals (Málaga, Atlético

Madrid and Mallorca) does not take full points. If Levante manages to beat Athletic

Bilbao, fresh off a very dissapointing loss to Atlético Madrid in the Europa League final,

one would believe that Levante should be able to obtain a European spot as its three

opponents do not have easy tasks either. Málaga perhaps has the easiest test, a home bout

with all but relegated Sporting. Mallorca has been able to beat Real Madrid in the

Bernabéu in the past and will be looking to do it again, although Madrid will certainly not

want to have a loss dampen the spirits of its La Liga title celebration (the trophy will be

awarded to the team at the conclussion of the game). Atlético Madrid, fresh off the

Europa League win, will be heading into El Madrigal, said to be a sellout, sea of yellow,

as Villarreal will be fighting to avoid relegation. Osasuna should take 3 points away

from already relegated Santander.

So much will be decided in such a short time span. The tables will surely be

shuffling constantly with each goal that is scored this Sunday, and seemingly so will be

the narratives that will be written and the histories that will be told about each

team. However, for Levante, those narratives and histories should not be any less

triumphant or proud of this team and this club if los granotas ultimately do not finish in

the Top 6.

This has been a dream season. A first time manager (Juan Ignacio Martinez

“JIM”), a forgotten face from Segunda (Barkero), a washed-up striker (Koné), yet

another stellar campaign from a 36 year old Centre Back (Ballesteros), the emergence of

arguably one of the best midfield tandems in all of La Liga, one a Málaga reject (Xavi

Page 5: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

5 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

Torres) and the other (Iborra), a humble, home-grown player, the Joker (Juanlu), a

goalkeeper who ages like a fine uruguayan wine (Munua) and the subtle genius (Valdo),

all came together like a perfectly strange puzzle, with all their oddities, years of

experience and plenty of interesting story-lines.

In the last thirty-two La Liga fixtures, Levante has only been out of the top 5 in the

league standings in two occasions, meaning missing out on Europe would seem like an

injustice after such a long, consistent run. Yet, even if Levante does not end up qualifying

for Europe, this season will go down as the best season in the history of the club and this

team will most certainly be remembered as the best Levante. Los granotas have more

than enough reasons to celebrate this season in The Four Stations fountain into the wee

hours of the morning with or without Europe. ¡A la fuente!

Four Stations Fountain

Page 6: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

6 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

MAY 30, 2012

Player Evaluations & Awards (2011-12) Publicado por Deán Burrier Sanchis

It is time to look back on the

2011/12 campaign and look

forward to next season. Today,

we will be evaluating the

contributions of each member

of the Levante squad to what

was, beyond all doubt, the

greatest season in the club’s

103 year history.

Goalies

*Gustavo Munúa (37 league starts) – Unlike last year, Munúa never left any doubt that he was

the #1 goalkeeper. In the 2010/11 campaign he lost his starting role just 4 games into the season

to Manolo Reina, though he would later earn it back. This year he was the best defensive player

for Levante. He produced many magical saves, like Negredo´s penalty in Sevilla. Without his

consistency, something he lacked the season before, Levante would not have finished in a

european spot. I am hard-pressed to remember any boneheaded plays or goals he should have

saved. An outstanding campaign, perhaps the best of his career, for the Uruguayan. A+

Keylor Navas (1 league start) – Keylor was a little shaky in his few starts in Copa, conceding

several away goals (3 vs. Depor and 3 vs. Alcorcón). Within the club he has earned a great deal

of respect and admiration. His humility and work ethic have been very notable throughout the

season. Somehow it was not surprising when he filled in for Munúa against Athletic Bilbao, in

the decisive final game of the season, and helped lead the team to victory. He saved some tough

shots, one from Fernando Llorente stands out. Though we have only seen limited glimpses of

Keylor, Levante fans are really hoping he is able to return next year. That will most likely

depend on whether Albacete, the club with his rights, earns promotion to Segunda or not. B-

Page 7: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

7 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

Defense

*Javi Venta (24 starts, 25 appearances) – His early season form was excellent, showing off

some of his best form, even assisting Koné in his historic 1-0 goal against Real Madrid. Midway

through the season Javi´s form dipped. He seemed physically exhausted and not as solid

defensively as we have come to expect from him. Part of this may be JIM’s insistence on not

using rotations or giving him a rest, but essentially no one is calling for a renewal of his contract.

At 36 years of age, this was probably his last year as a profressional. B

*Ballesteros (36 starts, 1 Liga Goal, 1 Copa Goal) – The pillar, the quiet leader and brute force

of the defensive line completed perhaps his best campaign ever, certainly his best in a Levante

shirt. He scored goals (including one from outside the box against Depor in the Copa), outraced

Cristiano Ronaldo in a sprint and helped carry Levante to Europe. In the last few games, he

showed signs of breaking down (showing a little more tiredness than normal and even needing to

be subbed against Mallorca), leaving us hoping that he can still be at his best next year and that

this was not his last great campaign. A+

*Cabral (15 starts, 16 appearances, 1 Liga Goal) – When Nano left, many were concerned if

Gustavo Cabral could fill his spot. Cabral’s performance the second half of the season did not

leave us missing Nano at all. He was quick, solid in defense and even scored us a brilliant goal in

the Bernabeu from a set piece. Levante fans are hoping that he can return next year, though the

club have no means of paying his million euro buy clause. B+

*Juanfran (28 starts) – Like Ballesteros, Juanfran seems to only be getting better with age. He

showed the quickness and foot skills of a 20 year old. He has signed a contract extension and

beat out Asier Del Horno for the Left-Back position. Let’s just hope he does not kick any tables

or chairs playing at home with his daughter (he broke his toe doing precisely that, forcing him to

miss several games and training midway through the second half of the season. A

Pedro Lopez (17 starts, 21 appearances) – A great signing and a great replacement for Javi

Venta. Struggled against quicker opponents (See film of matchup with Jeff Montero from

Betis/Villarreal), but nonetheless was good at reading the moves of those attacking him. His

adjustment back to First Division football and to Levante have been great and hopefully that

transitions to a better campaign next season. He has beaten out Javi Venta and earned his spot

over the course of the year as the starting right back for next season. B+

Page 8: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

8 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

Asier Del Horno (12 starts, 13 appearances) – It is very sad to think that this might have been

his last campaign in a Levante shirt, maybe even his last as a professional. Injuries stopped him

from being the standout force he was last year. Juanfran beat him out for the Left-Back spot, and

Cabral’s quick adaptation left no room for Asier. His contract has ended and it would be very

surprising if he were offered a new contract. ¡GRACIAS, ASIER! B-

David Navarro (3 starts, 4 appearances) – It is hard to evaluate Navarro. He signed in February,

after delaying to see if another offer arrived, which left him little time to show anything. In the

few games he did play, notably a win away against Real Sociedad, he interchanged notable

breakups with dangerously slow passes back to Munúa that led to several heart attacks in the

stands. Nonetheless, it would be nice if he stayed on next year, particularly if Cabral cannot

return. C+

Defensive Midfielders

*Vicente Iborra (27 starts, 32 appearances) – Quite simply, Levante is lost and confused, and

too easy to beat without Vicente Iborra. It is absolutely incredible to watch what IBO is capable

of doing during a game. His long range passes, defensive breakups, clearances and the

occasional header and long-range shot really showed that he was at his best this season. He

recognized his area for improvement in a recent interview, stating he needs to get to the

opponent’s area more often and create more danger with shots. Other than that, Levante fans are

hoping and praying that no one shows up shopping for Vicente this summer and that a new

contract offer comes with a higher exit clause to reflect the tremendous growth of this

wonderful canterano. A

*Xavi Torres (31 starts, 33 appearances, 5 Goals) – Made an excellent tandem with Iborra.

When both played together, Levante played its absolute best football. The counter-attacking style

depends on having Iborra and Xavi Torres give everything they’ve got to block shots, close

down defenders and break up passes. Xavi showed his best goal scoring side this season as well:

5 league goals from a Defensive Midfielder say a lot. If Levante manage to pull off a miracle

before this Thursday and reach a deal with Xavi, it will be just that: a miracle. A+

Farinós (18 starts, 29 appearances) – For most of the season he seemed like the piece that did

not fit. His taking over a starting role for Vicente Iborra, after the historic 7 straight wins, led to a

dramatic slide in the team’s form. Iborra replacing him in the lineup led the team back to

Page 9: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

9 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

Champions League placing form. It is still unclear if Farinos can fulfill the more defensive

responsibilities that Levante need from him. He does not cover ground well or read his

opponents very well. At the end of the season he showed signs of improvement, the only hope

saving him from a worse rating. B-

Pallardó (8 appearances) – Played just 129 minutes over the course of the season, most of them

junk minutes. It is really hard to say what this season was for Pallardo, other than a huge

disappointment. Will be 26 at the start of the new season, and though he is a good backup for

Levante, one cannot help but wonder if he would be better off somewhere else. N/A

Right Midfielder

*Valdo (31 starts, 33 appearances, 7 Goals, 6 Assists ) - A genius, the best way I can describe

Valdo on the field. He completed another exceptional campaign in which his dribbling, passing

and finishing were fundamental for Levante. No doubt his career has been resurrected in

Valencia. He found the net 7 times and setup his teammates to do the same on 6 other occasions.

He really has shown he has a lot of futbol left in his boots. Let’s hope he’s still lacing those boots

up for Levante, at least for another season. A+

Nabil El Zhar (9 starts, 22 appearances) - Showed some signs of real brilliance, but mixed that

with some disappearing on the pitch. He was brilliant in the second-leg of the Copa against

Deportivo, finding the net and sending a long range assist to Barkero for another goal. In the

league, his best performance was against Real Sociedad. He ran the Real defenders crazy

throughout the game and provoked a key penalty. He is a great player to have already lined up

for next year, the second of his two year deal, but fans and coaches will be hoping for more

consistency from Nabil. B-

Center Attacking Midfielder

*Barkero (29 starts, 31 appearances, 7 Goals, 9 Assists) - How on Earth was this guy still in

Segunda a season ago? Barkero is an incredible player for Levante to have, perhaps the best

creative inside midfielder Levante have seen and will see in a long time. His passes, set pieces

and goals lifted this team to European form. Thankfully his contract was for two seasons, though

maybe three or four would not have been a bad idea. Hopefully Levante can pull off another

Page 10: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

10 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

Barkero-like signing from Segunda, a market much more accessible and yet still abundant in

talent. A+

Rubén Suarez (7 starts, 25 appearances) - THE SUPER-SUB. Coming off the bench as a

regular, Rubén still managed to net 8 goals, 3 of them in dramatic fashion. His last minute free

kicks against Real Sociedad, Espanyol and Villarreal turned a 1 point draws into victories.

Without those 6 additional points, this season would not have been all that it was. Though his

form is not good enough over 90 minutes (he typically shows some poor physical conditioning),

he is the best sub Levante can have. Just having him on your bench gives you a quick chance to

completely change up a game. Quico, PLEASE RESIGN RUBÉN!!! A

Left Midfielder

*Juanlu (12 starts, 18 appearances, 5 Goals, 1 Assist) – Though injuries and JIM left him out of

completing the season the way he would have wanted to, Juanlu’s amazing start to the season,

where he netted all five of his goals in the initial games, left him miles ahead of the other players

at his position. It really was sad to see him out for so long and then have to see him playing

behind Botehlo. However, he should be fresh at the start of next season when he will be dearly

needed again as one of several Levante players with prior European experience. He scored

Osasuna’s first European goal, will he score Levante’s? A-

Botehlo (18 starts, 25 appearances) – At times a complete train wreck and at other times

showing signs of being a young star. Botehlo has to figure out what is more important to him:

partying or football. If he really dedicated himself to football, he could really be someone, but as

is he seems like more of a star fallen off. Most likely, he will never star for Arsenal or Levante.

His future will probably be in another team. B

Oscar Serrano (7 starts, 14 appearances) – In his second game he came on to assist Koné in the

Bernabéu, but one is hard-pressed to think of anything else that he did. Levante fans are

disappointed that he was given a two-year deal when he signed from Racing in the winter break.

Serrano did not show much of anything for Levante. Let’s hope the summer break and starting

the preseason with Levante can make him be a more important player for the team next season.

C

Striker

Page 11: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

11 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

*Koné (33 starts, 15 Goals, 3 Assists) – Even people who do not follow Levante know what this

season meant for Koné and just how important he was for Levante. His ball control was really

his best characteristic. Levante need a striker who can hang onto the ball and make something of

the few attacking chances Levante have in some games. Koné was better than Caicedo at scoring

goals, controling the ball and combining with teammates. Though Caicedo was probably a better

finisher, Koné was healthier throughout the season. Levante have signed him on a 2 year deal,

but all projections point to Koné exiting to the Premier League, leaving Levante looking for a

replacement striker, again. A

Ghezzal (9 starts, 16 appearances, 2 Goals, 2 Assists) - Was streaky. After his winter loan deal,

he started off wowing the crowd with an almost-goal long shot against Racing, but then went

months without scoring. An assist to Kone against Betis at home and a double against Athletic

Bilbao were highlights for him. The goals against Athletic being his first in over a year for him.

Levante fans will always remember him as the goalscorer of the European placing 3-1 win. B

Winter Transfer Departures

Nano – It was very sad to see Nano leave for China. He was a pilar in the defense along with

Ballesteros. However, Levante could not say no to the 1 million euros his transfer brought in.

A

Arandá – Showed some good skill moves in his limited appearances, along with a couple of

goals. However, he was terribily out of shape and showed no signs of improving. Additionally,

his attitude was poor, he seemed to believe he should be starting over Koné. Levante fans were

very happy to see him leave for Zaragoza, where his attitude came out in the media (refusing to

listen to Jimenez´s pregame talk against Osasuna). D

Héctor Rodas – Did not play before going out on loan to Segunda side Elche. Contributed

several goals, including a double in one game. Lots of hope and fan admiration are placed in him

as the best fruit to come from the youth system since Iborra. Next season will be an important

decider as to whether his long-term future is blue and granate. N/A

Rafa Jordà – Had not been given minutes to show much of anything. Has scored 3 goals so far

in China, playing for the same team as Nano. Attitude and professionalism were always top-

notch from Rafa. N/A

Page 12: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

12 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

Awards // Premios

2011-2012

Defensive Players of the Year // Mejor jugador defensivo

Gustavo Munúa and Sergio Ballesteros

Offensive Players of the Year // Mejor jugador ofensivo

Barkero and Koné

Rising Star // Estrella creciente

Vicente Iborra

Page 13: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

13 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

First Team

Player Focus:

Vicente Iborra Publicado por Deán Burrier Sanchis

Vicente Iborra has arisen like a shining pearl,

formed after years of frustrations and very

drastic changes in circumstances at Levante.

His rise took a lot of patience, hard work and

constant support from the club. At age 19, he

debuted as a tall and gifted striker with the first

team in the King’s Cup and a few days later in

La Liga, during the club’s last stint in the top

flight since its most recent resurrection. He was

one of a handful of players to stay with the club after relegation, though with a new manager

in Luis Garcia Plaza came a new position: center midfielder. Now 24 years old, Iborra has

embraced his new role and has quickly become one of the best defensive midfielders in

Spain.

Why Iborra is Key to Levante’s Success

Iborra has long been the subject of heated debate in Levante forums. Supported and

defended loyally by some supporters, and belittled by others who demand more from him or

see more value in other players not formed in the Levante Youth System. This year, thanks in

part to those dedicated fans, it has become unmistakable that Iborra is an essential player for

Levante.

Page 14: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

14 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

Fans have run statistical studies on the

games he starts to show that, since his

reappearance from injury last winter against

Almeria, Levante has a much greater win

percentage and point total when Iborra plays with

any other combination of midfielders than when

he is absent. The team rose from the dead last

season with his reappearance against Getafe and

Almeria, posting two key wins in the promotion campaign. He quickly won back his starting

role and the team went on an unprecedented run of points.

In the 2011/12 campaign, Iborra started with incredible form, helping the team to a

historic streak of seven straight victories. His sudden absence from the starting 11 led to not

only the ending of the streak, but also a downward streak where the team went several

months without posting a victory. Manager Juan Ignacio Martinez, aka JIM, finally gave in

and benched Farinós against Real Madrid. Iborra posted an incredible first half, frustrating

Madrid’s attack again and again. An unfortunate hand ball in the penalty area sent Iborra off

and completely changed the game, allowing a struggling Madrid to tie and later take the lead

against a numerically inferior Levante side. After serving suspension, Iborra played one of

his best games all season against Espanyol, helping the team pull off a shocker and, in his

return to a starting role, end the string of games without a win.

Iborra’s statistics also demonstrate his tremendous quality as a footballer. Though he

may not score goals or give the last pass that goes down in the books as an assist, he does an

incredible amount of work behind the scenes to create offensive chances for his team. For

starters, he wins back the ball from the opponent many more times than his competitors in

the Levante midfield, Xavi Torres and Farinos, and Iborra gives up possession many times

less than both. In the statistic of clearances, Iborra is far in front of both again. These are the

two statistics that should be most valued when analyzing the effectiveness of defensive

midfielders.

Put simply, Iborra destroys the other team’s attack and launches counter-attacks, a

vital asset to a team like Levante with a counterattacking style of play.

Page 15: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

15 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

National Team Prospects: #IborraSelección

During Levante’s historic run of seven consecutive wins, SuperDeporte reported that

national team coach Vicente Del Bosque was scouting Iborra and considering the possibility

of naming him in a future team sheet. To earn a spot on the national team, Iborra would have

to compete with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Javi Martinez and Sergio Busquets, a very tall task

considering all three were on the World Cup Champion roster, and that they are big names

and very decorated players. However, Javi Martinez has been playing as a Center-Back for

Athletic Bilbao recently and was even listed as a Defender on Del Bosque’s last team sheet.

It would not be surprising to see Martinez play there for Spain this summer, as this is a

position with less competition: Pique has been in and out of form, Puyol is pushing the age

limits already and will surely be in need of rest come June. With Martinez in Defense, it

would seem that there is a potential need for another defensive minded midfielder. Keep in

mind, though Spain is known for the Xavi and Iniesta, creative midfielder prototype, it was

players like Marcos Senna, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets that have also been vital in

Spain’s recent success.

In comparing, Iborra’s ratio of

winning and losing

possession with that of national

team starter Xabi Alonso, Iborra

actually comes out the victor. Iborra loses the ball much less than Alonso and wins

possession at a much higher rate. At 1.40, his ratio is significantly higher than Alonso’s. In a

national team that has dominated the world soccer scene with a style of play based on

dominating possession, it would seem that this statistic is very important to analyze.

While it still seems unlikely that Iborra would make the Euro roster, one can hope.

While Levante’s European aspirations are still in dispute with 7 games remaining, it should

be noted that in the past modest clubs such as Villarreal, Getafe and Mallorca have seen their

success and European placements were rewarded with their key players being selected to

compete in the 2008 EuroCup. With a national team, like Spain, that has enjoyed incredible

success in the last few years thanks in large part to the competition within its own ranks, as

Page 16: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

16 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

well as the humble contributions and hard work attitude that characterizes the reserves. Del

Bosque would be making not only a bold decision but also, in my opinion, a correct one.

Spain is not just Real Madrid and Barcelona, nor is Spain limited to a short list of “Grandes

clubes”. Little clubs, like Levante, doing amazing things, thanks to great players like Iborra,

deserve this kind of recognition for a job well done.

A Decisive Summer 2012: Will he stay or will he go?

This summer proves to be an interesting one in the Iborra saga. He is overdue for receiving

some serious attention from economically more powerful clubs both in and out of Spain.

Only this season has his name begun to appear on transfer short lists at clubs like Sevilla FC

and Atletico Madrid.

Club President Quico Catalan has spoken out quite emphatically, something not usually seen

from a president who prefers not to enter into the sporting realm, leaving those matters to

sporting directors and coaches, stating that he wants to make Iborra “The new Ballesteros”, a

symbol for the club and a hero for all the fans, a strong marketing image to represent the club

in all facets.

This week in an interview with AS, Iborra admitted he would love to assume this role at

Levante. Time will tell whether or not Iborra decides to stay and under what conditions.

Playing in European competition has to be a factor. If Levante can beat out Sevilla and

Atletico Madrid for a spot, it would seem illogical for Iborra to want to leave Levante for a

move to those clubs. Beating Atletico 2-0 this past weekend does not hurt either. Indeed, if

Iborra stays, it would mean that he does not feel that he needs to leave the club to grow as a

player, something that would speak marvels of what Levante has accomplished in such a

short time.

Page 17: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

17 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

El año que viene Levante-Liverpool Publicado por Deán Burrier Sanchis

Illinois, EE.UU.

Comparto una casa alquilada con

dos compañeros de mi universidad

que son del Liverpool FC. Mis

compañeros son extranjeros

haciendo sus estudios en EE.UU.,

donde no hace falta explicar que no

hay mucha afición por el fútbol

europeo. Sin duda, nos conocimos y

nos convertimos en amigos por esa pasión rara y compartida por el fútbol.

Todavía me acuerdo del día que empezamos a hablar. Yo siendo muy tímido, saqué un

poco de confianza para comentarle a uno de ellos, el noruego del par, que me gustaba su

camiseta del Liverpool con el nombre y número de Fernando Torres en la espalda. Aquel

momento empezó una amistad que pronto se trasladó a una amistad con el otro, de

Birmania.

Aquel verano hice un viaje de estudios en España y me contagió el levantinismo que era

para mí una forma de honrar y conectarme con el barrio que mi abuelo tuvo que dejar

Page 18: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

18 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

atrás, El Cabanyal. Al principio, mis compañeros no me tomaron en serio. “Pensábamos

que eras del Madrid”, decían. Al final, les obligó a aceptarlo porque sólo hablaba del

Levante día y noche. “¿No viste el partido del Liverpool? ¿Ni el gol de Gerrard?” me

preguntaban una y otra vez con insistencia y yo, con indiferencia, les solía responder

“¿Vosotros no visteis el golazo de Rubeninho?”. Se convirtieron en costumbre nuestras

bromas, las suyas con un tono más arrogante. Seguían despreciando al Levante. Les

costaba entender por qué uno se haría de un equipo pequeño.

Ahora, las cosas han cambiado. En sólo unos años, se nota el respeto que ha ganado el

Levante y los levantinistas por todo lo que hemos conseguido juntos. El domingo me

dijeron que, visto cómo yo vivía el Levante y el trato que recibo de los levantinistas,

“Esperemos que ganéis”. Yo les proponía que si el Levante se clasificara para Europa,

daríamos una vuelta por la universidad en mi coche.

Gracias a los goles de Ghezzal, por un día pudimos compartir una felicidad tremenda. El

birmano conducía mi coche, con la matrícula “LEVANTE”, mientras que yo enseñaba

una bandera levantinista por la ventanilla, con la música de Lliure llenando el aire al igual

que la bandera. Las caras de perplejo que recibimos eran un poema. Ojalá con el paso del

tiempo las caras se conviertan en sonrisas. Si hemos llegado hasta aquí ¿por qué no? si el

año que viene podríamos poner blaugranes al vent por campos como Anfield.

Esta plantilla histórica, el cuerpo técnico y todos los empleados del club, con el apoyo

fiel y apasionado de la afición logramos algo que era impensable durante más de un siglo.

Con nuestra unión parece como si fuéramos un puzzle por la manera en que enlazamos,

tanto así que nos hemos convertido en un auténtico rompecabezas para nuestros rivales.

¡Felicidades a toda la plantilla y todos los levantinistas! ¡Som equip europeo!

Este artículo se publicó anteriormente en la revista SuperDeporte en su edición especial

“Un granota por Europa” con motivo de la clasificación europea del Levante.

Page 19: Passport to Europe // Pasaporte a Europa

19 | P a g e M a d e I n O r r i o l s S p r i n g - P r i m a v e r a 2 0 1 2

El primo de Dean se hace del Levante Publicado por Deán Burrier Sanchis

Mi primo, incondicional del Manchester United, empieza a seguir el Levante y más ahora

que le he explicado lo del "Feos, pobres, humildes y del Levante UD".

Resulta que a él tampoco le cae demasiado bien ese tipo que le llaman "CR7".