Leganes of Spain centre-back, Kenneth Omeruo in this exclusive interview with his club’s media says he is excited to return to football action after the break caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Nigerian international’s joy is however mixed with sadness with the latest issue of racial discrimination in the USA that led to the death of George Floyd as well as the relegation struggles of Leganes.
The 26-year old is however hopeful something positive will be derived with whites joining the Black Lives Maters protest and for Leganes to survive the drop to maintain their LaLiga status…
How ready are you mentally and physically for the LaLiga restart?
Physically I still have a little bit to go, but we will be ready for the match against Valladolid. Mentality, I am activating my head because LaLiga is about to re-start and that is already 100% confirmed, so you have to work hard to get ready.
How has it been to experience the coronavirus crisis in Spain? And how was it in Nigeria?
It has been difficult because nobody expected something so hard to happen. It was especially tough for my wife too – we could only go out to buy the basics and return. But I am very happy with how the crisis in Spain has been managed. Many people have followed the rules of staying at home. It was good and now you see how we can return to what we like, which is to play soccer.
In Nigeria? There are some cases, but not too many. Everyone has been careful. I spoke to my family to ask them to stay home, not to go out if not necessary.
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How did you come back from the break? Has it gotten better?
At home I was training. Physically I am feeling better. Little by little I am improving. Sure, as I said before, I will be ready when the games return.
How did you feel returning back to training with all your colleagues?
It has been very well. In any case, the coaches have been giving us many exercises to train on the physical plane, but also on the tactical level.
It is incredible how they have managed this situation. Everything has been possible thanks to them. And now, we are all happy. Happy to see us and to be ready to return.
Do you think Leganes will be in a better shape now to escape relegation?
I don’t know … But I think we have the second chance now to do better. We must play each remaining game like a final and remain focused. We have the opportunity to avoid relegation and we will fight to achieve it.
Without the audience, will it be more difficult than ever?
The fans are very important in football. We play for them, they pay to watch us play, they give the team every support both home and away. We have struggled so far this season and it will be more difficult not having the support and motivation of our fans.
But we won’t be the only club without them. But it’s more difficult playing without the audience because you will have to concentrate more.
What do you think of the movement against racism in the US? Will it change something?
I hope this time yes, this time something changes. This problem has been sustained for too long. I am happy that I have not been a victim, but it is so sad to see how someone can be killed in broad daylight by the people who are supposed to protect you…
It is very sad, although on the one hand I am happy that now everyone has been able to see it and have realized it, not just the black people who come out to protest. Let the whites also protest. I hope this time something changes.
How would you rate the season of Awaziem, your friend and teammate? Do you predict a successful career?
He can go very far. He is young, genetically very strong, and has everything it takes to get far. You only need the opportunity to play, because you can do it wherever you want.
Do you see yourself making the leap to a great club as happened with Braithwaite and Barcelona?
(Laughter) Of course… It is the dream of every player.
Would it be unfair if there were stadiums with an audience and others without an audience?
I think the best thing now is to follow LaLiga’s instructions, because it is still risky for our fans. We want them to be in Butarque, but right now security is the best. Hopefully we can give you the best results to watch from home.
