Peque: I was almost more out than in and it wasn’t easy

Gerard Fernández “Peque” gave an interview on Monday to PTV Sevilla, offering a deep look into his strong individual form, the team’s shift in mentality and the personal challenges he has had to overcome to reach this point in his career.

The young attacking midfielder is emerging as one of the most important figures of the season, both for his performances and for the maturity he has shown on and off the pitch.

He began by reflecting on the importance of the team’s most recent victory. Victory always feels good, and after three defeats, imagine that. The team needed it to bring calm and confidence. After three losses it’s not a final, it’s just three more points, but the team knew it had to turn the situation around as soon as possible. I think we played a very solid match and competed well, explained the Catalan midfielder. His words highlighted not only the relief of ending a negative run, but also the awareness within the squad of how quickly momentum can shift in a league as demanding as La Liga.

Speaking about those three consecutive defeats, Peque insisted that football often refuses simple explanations. It’s hard to explain, but every match is different. In the first half against Mallorca, I think the team played well. Then the defeat came and it hurt, because we had just beaten Barça in such a great win. Maybe it was a hard blow. We didn’t manage the following matches well, or maybe we did, but football comes down to small details and the opponent also wants to win. We’ve found another victory now, and hopefully many more. His comments underline the unpredictability of football and the psychological fragility that can appear after an emotional high.

Regarding his own role in the team, Peque was quick to downplay the idea of him having stepped up as a leader or reference point. No, I think we are all very important in the team. Whenever it’s our turn to play, each of us has to give our best. His humility reflects the group-focused mentality that coach Matías Almeyda has been trying to instil, where responsibility is shared and no player is allowed to feel either untouchable or irrelevant.

One of the emotional highlights of recent weeks was the standing ovation he received from the fans in the match against Osasuna. I didn’t expect it and it made me very happy. It’s emotional for anyone, and I can only say thank you. Obviously it reinforces the work I always do. I think it will give me even more strength to continue. For a player who has lived through difficult periods, such recognition from the supporters represents a powerful boost of confidence and a sign that his effort is resonating with the fanbase.

Peque then opened up about some of the toughest moments of his career, showing surprising depth for a player of his age. I take everything as a learning experience in life and in sport. Last year people saw it as a bad one for me, but it helped me improve and maybe it’s what allows me to be good this year. I also came from a first season at Racing where I barely played, and in the second year I scored nineteen goals. I really believe in the work I do every day. In the end it’s about persistence, and maybe you don’t see the results tomorrow or the next day, or in a year or two, maybe it takes four, but you have to keep going, it’s the only way. Those words reveal a player who understands the long-term nature of development and who has learned not to panic when things don’t immediately go his way.

When asked about the atmosphere surrounding the team, Peque admitted that there is a different feeling this year, but that the players need to manage the external noise. I think there’s a different atmosphere this year. We have to isolate ourselves a bit from that noise and focus on what we can control. For a club like Sevilla, where expectations and external pressure are constant, this mental discipline is essential.

The influence of coach Matías Almeyda has been a key part of the team’s transformation, and Peque praised the Argentine heavily. He is giving us a lot of strength and talks to us a lot about life as well. Then, of course, he tries to help us bring out our best performance, both individually and collectively. We’re working well, I have very good feelings. Both he and the whole coaching staff transmit a lot of confidence, they support us, they demand from us, and we have to pay them back on the pitch. Almeyda is known for his emotional leadership style, combining tactical rigor with a deep personal connection to his players, and Peque’s comments reinforce that reputation.

Reflecting on his uncertain summer, Peque was candid. I was almost more out than in and it wasn’t easy, but I trust myself a lot, I believed I could turn it around, and with everyone’s help it’s happening little by little. That’s in the past now. I knew I wanted to be here and luckily I’m still here. His honesty provides insight into how close he came to leaving the club and how much determination it took to earn his place again.

Peque also revealed what Almeyda asks from him tactically. The coach asks me to play forward, try to get into the box, dribble and be free to play my game. And then there are defensive demands, which are basic, but they need to be done. I demand a lot from myself in all areas, I can improve a lot more in everything and that’s what I’m working on. His ability to combine creativity with hard work has been a major factor in his recent success and is exactly what the coaching staff expects from him.

Looking ahead to the coming weekend, Peque spoke about the upcoming match against Espanyol. It’s a match I like because my family and all my friends will be there, and that motivates me. Apart from that, we have to go there to win. They lost against a great opponent like Villarreal, but they played well and they’re doing very well this year, so we cannot relax. His words show both personal excitement and professional focus, a balance he seems to be mastering.

Peque’s interview paints the picture of a player who has matured significantly, who is learning to navigate adversity and who now feels fully integrated, motivated and ready to help the team grow. His combination of humility, honesty and ambition makes him one of the most intriguing figures in the squad as the season continues.