Jonathan Medina and his arrival at Alianza: “If the fan is worried, I am sure that the goal will not weigh me down” | INTERVIEW

“It is possible that we will incorporate an archer”, coach Carlos Bustos had advanced us in a recent interview. And it seems that the one indicated will be Jonathan Medina (Arequipa, 1993). Former Sport Boys, nominated for the best of his position in 2019 But who lost his place in the rosé team last season, he has everything ready to become a new Alianza Lima player – he only has to pass the medical exams – and to be, initially, the second goalkeeper behind Angelo Campos. Medina spoke with DT El Comercio about his feelings and left a message for the blue and white fan.

-Did you expect to be so close to completing your arrival at Alianza Lima?

Not really. I am a bit surprised because it was not in my plans. I didn’t think a team like Alianza was going to communicate with me. But I am happy, happy with this new challenge, this is a new opportunity to show the professional that I can become.

-Is it the first time they have contacted you?

Yes. They called me a couple of days ago to comment on the interest and the chance of arriving.

-In first impression, you arrive as the second goalkeeper behind Ángelo Campos

Yes. Things are like that. But I will fight for the position from the start. The one who is better is going to end up playing. Playing in Alianza always motivates, for now I’m anxious for everything to come to fruition.

-What’s missing for you to sign a contract?

Just pass the medical exams. From the club they told me that between today and tomorrow that will happen, so we have to wait a bit and with the confidence that everything will go well.

– Could you speak with Carlos Bustos?

No, I haven’t gotten to talk to the teacher yet. I hope that everything is done to do so, get to know him a little more and know what his system is about, his way of working and his way of seeing football.

Are you excited to share a team with Jefferson Farfán?

Definitely yes. It is a great team, with a lot of history, any player is excited to play for a team like Alianza.

-Did you have other proposals?

Yes, I had some before the Alianza call, but they did not come to fruition due to issues outside of sports. The Alliance thing came out from one moment to the next, and when they called me I did not hesitate for a second to accept.

-In recent years, the goalkeepers who came to the club failed to consolidate and ended up leaving. Does that antecedent weigh on you?

I face the challenge with great humility and patience knowing that I get to fight for a position. I come to the club to show my professionalism, to give the fans the peace of mind that they will find in me a footballer who will give everything as soon as the club’s insignia is put on his chest. Of that there should be no doubt.

-From this year it will be played with fans. Are you excited to have the pressure of the fan in the games?

It’s nice that people come back to the stadium because it makes you play in a different way. People pressure is always good. It is going to be a different and beautiful 2022, and I hope it will be good for Alianza Lima.

-A year with great challenges and various tournaments: Copa Libertadores, Liga 1, Copa Bicentenario and the Super Cup. In fact, it is possible that you will debut against Sport Boys, your former team, on the first date because Campos could be in the national team

Of course, as I said, one trains and works from day one to be ready and measure up to what the coach wants to have a good performance when required.

-In 2021, Alianza made its system from the defense, with Campos ordering from his position. How are you mentally to lead when it’s your turn?

Very relaxed. The truth is that I have never had a problem with that when it comes to standing under the three suits. The concern is not there, if that is what the fan thinks. I am completely sure that standing in the Alianza Lima arc will not weigh me down.

-You had a great 2019 being nominated for best goalkeeper in the League, but last season you hardly stopped, what happened?

It was a technical decision. Each one brings the players they think will perform the best for their team and last year’s coach commented at some point that I was not in his plans, but since I had a contract, I stayed. That happens.

-Speaking a bit about yourself, is it true that video games are, for you, a way to release pressure?

Yes. It is a hobby in which I found a way to relax, to have a blank mind a little and to de-stress from everything that we live day to day. But now I play little because I study in the afternoons and it gets a bit complicated for me.

-What do you study?

I am studying the last year of gastronomy. It is my other shared passion with soccer and videogames.

-You made your debut with Juan Reynoso in Melgar and you were part of the champion squad in the club’s centenary

In 2010 he started playing the Reserves Tournament and I was in school. And a teacher from Melgar pulled me. I ended up debuting in 2014 with Juan and the following year I enjoyed some matches of the club’s historic title.

-You played for Melgar, Real Garcilaso (today Cusco FC), Comerciantes Unidos and Sport Boys; teams in which the goalkeeper has a lot of work. In Alianza the story will be different: you must respond in the few that come to you, with almost no margin for error.

Clear. It will be a different situation than what one is used to. When they play in teams like the ones I was in, the other team attacks you and attacks you, and you will have several to tackle. On the other hand, in Alliance it will be different, you have to be prepared for that one arrival to save you.

-Does that end up being an advantage or a disadvantage?

For me it is much easier. The less the opponent reaches you, the better, it means that you are ordering your team well, directing your defense well.

-Doing a self-analysis, what are your strengths and the points that you should improve?

My strengths are the aerial game and the reflexes under the three suits. What I must improve, and that is what I have been working on, is the game with my feet.

-What message would you give to the blue and white fan, who was taken by surprise by your imminent arrival?

Give you peace of mind. In me you will find a full-fledged professional, I will demonstrate the professionalism that I have through the opportunities that the teacher gives me to move the team forward and achieve important things.