Jesús Vallejo: “In Madrid, I Never Gave Up”
Early Career and Journey to Real Madrid
Jesús Vallejo, born in Zaragoza in 1997, has navigated a rollercoaster career in professional football. After joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2017, he faced challenges such as loans, injuries, and limited playtime, culminating in just 35 matches for the iconic club. Despite these hurdles, Vallejo has garnered more Champions League titles than many of his contemporaries, emphasizing his resilience and dedication. As he now leads Albacete in a Copa del Rey showdown against his former team, he reflects on his time at Madrid, stating, “I have competed at the peak of my capabilities at the club.”
Memorable Moments and Emotional Resilience
One poignant memory for Vallejo includes a dramatic last-minute goal against Celta, reminiscent of Sergio Ramos’ famed late-game heroics. He considers that achievement one of the top three moments of his career, driven by emotion and the thrill of advancing in the tournament.
In terms of his current emotional state, Vallejo expresses a sense of alignment and purpose. He acknowledges that while muscle issues persist, they feel manageable compared to the greater objective of aiding his teammates. Vallejo has worked diligently to reach this state, acknowledging that his journey hasn’t been easy.
Leadership and Development
Transitioning to the role of captain at age 18 with Zaragoza was a formidable challenge. Vallejo reveals that he felt unprepared for the elite footballing atmosphere and struggled to manage media engagements and performance pressures. However, his stint at Frankfurt eased his transition to Madrid, where responsibilities were more evenly distributed among players.
In Madrid’s star-studded dressing room, having initially surrounded himself with familiar faces from the U21 squad, Vallejo gradually became comfortable amidst his idols. He holds fond memories of daily routines at Valdebebas, emphasizing the positive relationships he formed with teammates and staff.
Coaching Insights and Personal Growth
Vallejo credits Cristiano Ronaldo’s regimen as a significant influence during his first year at Madrid. The legendary forward offered valuable insights on training, emphasizing the importance of physical preparation.
Regarding his struggles with playing time, Vallejo recalls the encouragement he received from his teammates and support staff. He consistently worked hard, realizing the need for persistence in a competitive environment like Madrid, describing his experience as a long-distance race rather than a sprint.
Perspective on Challenges
Throughout his ongoing journey, Vallejo emphasizes that he never considered giving up, even in moments of doubt. Although certain seasons, like his time at Granada, led him to think about his future, he ultimately resolved to stay with the first team, focusing on strengthening his role.
Vallejo’s relationship with coaches has varied, noting that during Ancelotti’s tenure, he found more comfort communicating with the coaching team than with the head coach directly. Injuries sometimes resulted from his eagerness to be at peak fitness, leading to overtraining.
Psychological Preparation and Family Support
Vallejo acknowledges the role of psychological support, both individually and as part of the team. Engaging with a psychologist has proven beneficial for maintaining mental health and enhancing performance.
He also treasures time spent in Loscos, his mother’s hometown, where the tranquility of rural life provides a stark contrast to the pressures of professional football. His family has approached his career with understanding, having never imposed undue pressure on him.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Vallejo recognizes significant differences between coaching styles at different clubs, particularly noting that the Madrid setup allowed for natural talent to flourish, whereas at Albacete, coaches engage more holistically with players.
He reflects on the transformative changes within the Madrid squad over the years, from legends like Cristiano Ronaldo to emerging young talents. While he embraces the lessons learned through experiences, he admits a desire to manage his career moments more effectively for future opportunities.
Ultimately, Vallejo feels immense pride in his journey, from his formative years in Zaragoza to competing for Madrid. Now focusing on Albacete, he feels that choosing this path was the best decision for his personal and professional growth. If he scores against his old club, he humorously insists he will leave the celebrations to others.