INTERVIEW | David admits having overcome physical problems last year and faces the new season with renewed energy. He wants to be the David Simon who stunned everyone in the first round in the elite league of Spanish football. «I am 100% committed to UD Las Palmas» told us.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: What about your initial feelings in the preseason?
David Simon: Well, the most important thing is that the discomfort in my back and knee that I had since last December are gone. By not stopping to recuperate and being a little rough on my part at the end it was dragging me down and I did not reach my level. This holiday has been great for me to rest and recover. Right now I’m trying to get 100%, but most important is that the discomfort has disappeared.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: I mean, last year you were forced back by the injury which resulted in injuries to other areas.
David Simon: Yes, I had many problems in the patellar tendon, heel … what had not happened in years lowered me fitness. I had such bad luck. At the end of this year I need to take more care and work harder so it does not happen again.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: In the test this week were you among those who performed best? Can we say that you are already fit and have overcome all physical problems?
David Simon: Yes, it is good to be fresh in the mind and with that spark you also have to be physically fit. In the test I could really push myself, so much the better.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: With perspective, after a long gap in between, is it fair to say David Simon made his debut after a somewhat peculiar trajectory?
David Simon: It was a peculiar way to go. Doing well was maybe by not advancing at first, not getting that opportunity and finally getting it. It came very fast due to work and effort that had its triumph. We climbed fast and as personal goals I managed to be in the best side and give the second highest assists, and then things looked set very well. For fifteen games I was at a good level, and it is true that at the end of the second leg I wanted to maintain my level, but maybe through a bad patch, or the injury I had that I could not stop, I struggled to regain the level. But that is forgotten. Now everything starts from scratch again. I am pleased and happy with the group, and now try to convince the coach to make me a starter in the first game.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: The squad is virtually the same as last year, but there have been understandable losses like Nauzet and Valeron. Especially Angel Lopez with whom you shared a room. What have you learned from him?
David Simon: Angel is an example, is a great professional. Also Valeron, he tells you his experiences and everything that he has lived through and that’s what you’re absorbing, to learn slowly. It’s important what they have given us. When the years go by you must keep doing the same thing. It is important to keep this in mind.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: Now there are young players who feel uncertainty. Did you have this a few years ago in preseason and what advice would you give?
David Simon: I have had several experiences like that. You must have peace of mind. The guys who are in that situation have a lot of quality and potential. If they all stay, those guys will probably grow in confidence. This has many turns, it is a wheel: every year is different and anything can happen.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: UD has hired Michel Macedo in the last few hours. How was that received at the club? Is it incentive to increase competition for places?
David Simon: Yes, it is true that there must be two sides. David Garcia also did very well when I played last year. Most importantly, you get to contribute to the group, which creates healthy competition as it has always been with all partners. At the end the most important thing is UD Las Palmas and to fulfill our goals.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: You are best friends with Roque Mesa in the locker room. How is he emotionally?
David Simon: It is certainly a complicated situation, but you see training and Roque is a professional. He is a great player. In the game and in practice does not affect him. But it is true that he may be sold: he could play in a Champions League team and everyone would understand why.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: Do you think this season UD will have it harder in the league after the good job done last year?
David Simon: It will be complicated, like last year, it will be very competitive. Until we started our unbeaten streak it was all very competitive. We must keep calm and go step by step. As a team we know more, we must demand more and raise the level.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: This summer it was rumored that several teams were interested in your services. Are you committed 100% to UD Las Palmas?
David Simon: Yes, committed 100%. It is true that during the first leg I did get attention from clubs, as many players here did for the season they’ve had. It’s normal. The most important thing is to keep this blocked out and be more ambitious on an individual level and most importantly, as a team. I’m 100% focused on UD.
UDLASPALMAS.NET: How are you looking forward to the start of the new season?
David Simon: Excited and eager to again be the best David Simon can be.
Traducido por: Amarillos English (@udlpenglish)
