Entering the quarterfinals of the World Youth Championship! Real Madrid youngster Pitachi: If I can win the championship, I will never forget it and I am willing to do my best

October 10th: Thiago Pitacci, a Spanish U20 national team player who plays for Real Madrid, accepted an exclusive interview with Marca after his team advanced to the U20 World Cup quarter-finals.

What do you think of the experience of participating in the U20 World Cup in the middle of the club season?

Yes, it's a little different to hold it in the middle of the season, but that's the reality. You can't decide, but you have to give it your all because it's representing your country, all your friends, family and the country as a whole, and you have to do it in the best way possible.

You did not start in the first game, but started against Mexico, Brazil and the quarter-finals. How do you feel about this event?

I think our entire team is growing. We're getting better game by game and it's starting to show, the chemistry between us is getting better and better, both on and off the field. I think that helped us a lot. If we keep playing like we are now and getting better and better, we will definitely be able to go further.

How did the team bounce back after losing to Morocco?

The most important thing is to stay united, make us stronger as a team, and give our all. That game I thought we created quite a few chances, especially in the first half, and controlled the tempo of the game. They had chances on two counterattacks, but I didn't think it was a bad game. Through hard work, results will come; we work very hard in training, both individually and collectively, we defend and attack together as a team, and I think this is the reason why we are where we are now.

After defeating Ukraine to advance to the quarterfinals, what is the atmosphere in the locker room now?

We know we are in a very good momentum. But we won't be complacent because any team can cause you problems here. We have to be ourselves and play the way we have always played, especially not losing focus during the game. I think we have a good team and we can pose a pretty big threat and get to that final.

From a personal perspective, what does head coach Paco Gallardo require of you on the court?

He asked me to be myself and have the courage that I have because I'm very aggressive. He asked me to bring the team together and make us a team that works hard, runs and gives everything.

What do you think is your greatest strength?

I am very diligent. I play at a good pace and generally don't feel tired very much. My physical fitness is very good, my skills with my feet are also good, and I know how to read the game. I think these are my strengths.

What does having Iker Bravo as captain mean to you? What message does he convey?

He is a player who has played for the national team for many years and has experienced all age groups. Whether in the dressing room or on the pitch, he is a key figure and his presence is strong. I like him very much and we have a great relationship on and off the court. He is very important to us. He was a captain who always had a positive message for everyone, both those who played and those who didn't. To me, he's a pretty crucial part of the team.

How do you prepare for the quarter-final matchup?

We are full of desire and have been preparing from now on. Once the game is over, you think about resting so you can be at your best for that quarter-final match we so want. As for the opponent, it's the same no matter who it is: we have no preference. They will both be great opponents (eventually Colombia), otherwise they wouldn't be here. No matter who the opponent is, we will go all out and strive to win.

Iker used the Spanish team in 2010 to inspire everyone: they also lost at the beginning of that competition, but eventually won the championship.

Absolutely correct. I think in this kind of event, it's not how you start, but how you end. Losing hope just because you lost a game is not advisable. This tournament is long; we qualified third in the group, but we are still here.

What does winning this U20 World Cup mean to you?

That would be a dream come true. By winning a championship like the U20 World Cup with your national team, you represent your family, friends and the entire country. One of the best things in football is playing for your country; that will be an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.

Let’s say a few words to the Spanish fans.

We will give everything we have to bring that trophy back to Spain. Hopefully they trust us because we really have a great team that can do that.