VCF Academy player Pedro Alemañ combining football with studying

Pedro Alemañ has become an important part of the Juvenil A side at Valencia CF, all the while studying hard to achieve academic success. The midfielder spoke to VCF Media this week about how he combines the two important aspects of his life.

The lockdown

“During the lockdown we were working ‘online’ but now we are on holiday. I’ve been preparing for my exams next week. To start with it was difficult, but in the end you have to adapt to situations. Not being able to train on the pitch was tough, but there was the advantage of being able to spend more time with my family.”

A short but demanding season

“Playing in the Youth League is a source of pride. You are representing Valencia CF against the best players in the world, and many of them have debuted with their first teams. That means that you are competing with high level teams. It has been a short season, but full of games, as we would play in Europe during the week and then have the league at the weekend. I’m happy with the work that the team did; we’ve gradually improved and become better footballers.”

Angulo’s trust in him

“This was my second year with the coach, and I'm very grateful to him. He's believing in me and shows me that in training. He keeps a close eye on us. It's gratifying to have somebody like Angulo, who had so much success at the club, believe in you. You can be proud of that.”

What he has learnt this season

“My main takeaway is the unity within the group. We’ve helped each other out on the pitch and during the lockdown. To start with, the team was a mix of players in their third, second and first years. We’ve come together steadily and finished the season like a family.”

The future

“It’s been a while since we last played, and I’m dying to come back. These holidays have been a little strange, because I haven’t stopped studying. However, after my exams I have a week off, although I am already thinking about training, coming back and seeing my teammates again.”

Successful school results

“With a lot of organisation and daily effort, it's possible. Valencia CF also help, because they are very committed to their players' studies. Valencia CF are committed to not just the football side, but also the personal side. One of the objectives that Valencia CF have is to train people, not just players. Both Mas Camarena and Valencia CF have made a huge effort to make it easier for us to attend classes -above all this year with the Youth League, when we were set to miss a lot of school time. Thanks to them, we've been able to study.”

Dreaming of the first team

“The dream that every VCF Academy player has is to succeed with the Valencia CF first team. In the end, what we have to do is be ready for when that moment comes, and take the opportunities that the coach gives us. It would be a source of pride for me to play for Valencia CF at Mestalla. I'd love it.”