17.10.2007, 09:03
Modest but prolific: Carlos Ruesga

The Spanish middle back of Portland scored 25 goals so far. Rusega is heading the top scorer list together with Lazarov. The 22-year old talks to Eurohandball.com.

Modest but prolific: Carlos Ruesga

Carlos Ruesga began the season really well. Portland had some difficulties at the beginning of the year, but the problems seem to be solved by now. Ruesga played a key role in this good start. The Spanish middle back had to replace the injured Kristian Kjelling and he took the chance. Now he is in the top scorers of Champions League. Eurohandball.com talks to him.

Eurohandball.com: You are first on the top scorer list with 25 goals. Are you surprised?

Carlos Rusega: Yes, I’m very happy about it, but it’s not important. The team are on top spot of the group and this is really important. I had to play more than others because of the injury of Kristian Kjelling and I could score helping the team. In fact, my mates make jokes about it. We all hope that Kristian could come back soon.

Eurohandball.com: What do you think? Rusega is a playmaker who shoots well or a back who makes the game?

Carlos Rusega: I’m a player who plays in whatever position the team needs me. It is true that there are some players in Spain who are able play in different positions. I’m happy to play in the centre and shoot from the back line. My job is to help the team and be useful for the coach.

Eurohandball.com: Winning the group seemed to be difficult after the draw against GOG in Pamplona, but the situation has changed after the defeat of Gudme in Austria…

Carlos Rusega: Yes, it is true. We made a mistake in Pamplona with the draw against Gudme. This was a signal, and we are improving in the CL. The victory of Bregenz was good for us, but we must win all the matches. We knew that we had to change the attitude for the matches that promise easy victories and I think we could change. We are very concentrated every game now.

Eurohandball.com: …And winning the group looks more probable now.

Carlos Rusega: We are in a good situation. We have two important victories against Bregenz and Presov and we can reach our goal. However, we must play three more games and it will not be easy. We must play in Gudme, which is a difficult court, and two other tough matches. We must win every game to finish the round in the first position.

Eurohandball.com: You are the top scorer at this point. The Spanish national team will play friendly games in a week’s time without you. Did you expect an invitation?

Carlos Rusega: It would have been a great possibility, but Mr. Pastor counts on the squad that won the World Championship in Tunisia. They play very well and I have no problems with it. Playing for Spain is one of the greatest things for me, but I respect my mates. I must work harder for Portland and wait for my chance in the national team. I hope that I can play for Spain in the future.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goñi