Santi Denia: ‘We are focused on the first game and from then on, it’s time to dream’.

The Spanish national team has held a video press conference organised by the Spanish Olympic Committee ahead of its opening match at the Olympic Games in Paris. Their first match is this Wednesday against Uzbekistan, at 15:00. The national coach explained that the competition is sure to be very complicated: ‘It's very difficult, it's almost like a World Cup but on a small scale’. 

The keys to success for Santi Denia are related to forming a close group and starting the tournament with a victory. ‘The first match is usually the most important and we have been focusing on it’, he stressed.  He added about his role: ‘My job is to build a team and a family in a short period of time.

‘We are focused on the first game and from there, it’s time to dream,’ the coach explained. He describes winning the gold medal as ‘a challenge’ because it is something that has not been achieved for many years. He also stressed the importance of taking everything ‘step by step’. 

Santi Denia has also responded to the situation regarding Fermín and Álex Baena. Both arrive after winning the European Championships and he points out that both are ‘very important’ and that they are ‘in good condition and happy’. 

The captain and player of the Olympic team, Abel Ruiz, also spoke to the media. ‘Being able to be here is very exciting,’ he said. He also stressed that his goal is to give everything: ‘we don't feel pressure, we come here to give the maximum of ourselves’. ‘We are very proud to be able to represent the Spanish Olympic Team, 

‘We are going to go into the first game with a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of ambition and in search of our first three points,’ he said. ‘Uzbekistan are a good team that will make things difficult for us and we will have to give 100% to get the three points,’ he said. 

Finally, he explained what it is like living with other athletes. ‘It's a unique experience. It's nice to be able to interact with other athletes from other countries and other disciplines,’ he said.