Jose Ramon Sandoval is looking forward to taking Granada to former club Rayo Vallecano but says there will be no room for sentiment.
Sandoval trained Rayo between 2010 and 2012 having been in charge of the B team and took the Madrid club to the Primera, reminiscing about his experiences in an interview with AS.
“It’s back to where I developed as a Coach. We had great achievements, like avoiding relegation in a very difficult stage,” he recalled.
“It will be a joy to return to where my home was but I’m with Granada and we need to win.
“Best Rayo memory? The ‘Tamudazo.’ That day was life and death. We hadn’t been in the relegation zone all year but in that game we were down. I’ve never seen so many people cry with joy.
“That’s difficult to match. People weeping with emotion, lying on the floor, kisses everywhere…
“The past is forever in your present. It was something similar with Granada, an agonising salvation in four games. The people here are similar to in Vallecas. Since I arrived here, I’ve received only affection.
“Rayo means everything to me. I’ll be eternally grateful. There I met heroes on the pitch and worked for a family club. It was a sweet and unforgettable time. Thanks to Rayo my career jumped forward.
“Promotion with the B team opened the doors to the first team and allowed me, without being a professional player, to be the Coach of a Primera team.
“Without the fans, there wouldn’t be an engine to the team. They sang ‘Bukanero Sandoval.’
“Now I owe something to Granada, who believed in me at the lowest point of my career. I hope no one comes out of the game damaged, although that will be difficult.”
Sandoval was asked about the current occupier of the Rayo bench, Paco Jemez, and spoke warmly of his successor, before discussing a possible return to Vallecas.
“He’s imprinted his stamp on Rayo. I’ve been in that position and know the difficulties you face,” Sandoval considered.
“Paco has set a path and Rayo has a style I love. The personality of the Coach, he knows how to get the best out of his players.
“Return to Rayo in the future? I’m a professional and I owe a debt to Granada. I hope I’m here forever. And hopefully Paco has a lot longer at Rayo.
“When I left I said goodbye for now. I would return in the future, I’ve lived in Vallecas and when I was without a team I went to watch their games.”
Image via www.granadacf.es
