[Depor] Guardado

JOSÉ ANDRÉS GUARDADO HERNÁNDEZ Date of Birth: 28 September 1986 City of Birth: Guadalajara, Jalisco Nationality: Mexico Contract: 2007 - 2012 Transfer: €7 million (2007, from Atlas) Previous Clubs: Atlas de Guadalajara (2005-2007) Buy-out Clause: €25 million Height: 169 cm Weight: 60 kg Position: Attacking Midfielder (left/centre)

Young Guardado is, without a doubt, the most promising player Deportivo have signed since acquiring Albert Luque (who was 24-years old at that time) in 2002. Being just 20-years old, this Mexican international winger become Depor’s most expensive signing in five years and with it the Galicians outmanoeuvred clubs like Real Madrid, Sevilla, Internazionale, AC Milan, Arsenal, Benfica, Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven. Known for his amazing dribbles, shooting and flair, Guardado was signed during the Copa América 2007 and had a quick impact at struggling Deportivo during the season 2007/2008. He was an undisputed starter at the left wing until injuries in February and March spoiled his end of the season. In this way we he missed the best months of the club, but nevertheless kept being related to some of European biggest clubs. If he regains his form of his first half a year in Europe, it will be difficult for the Galicians to keep him. One of Mexico’s biggest talents signs at Deportivo Tuesday 10 July 2007 will always be remembered as an important day for Guardado, Deportivo and its supporters. For several years in a row the team had been mid-table and forced to sell its best players (Makaay, Luque, Pandiani, Arbeloa, Arizmendi, Jorge Andrade), to see some retiring (Fran, Mauro Silva), to have several ending their cycle at the club (Molina, Romero, Lionel Scaloni, Tristán, Víctor Sánchez) and to see others leaving for free (Capdevila, Duscher). Since 2002, only the signing of defender Coloccini in 2005 caused excitement among the supporters. Almost all others still had a lot to prove to the world of football. The financial difficulties of Deportivo, combined with the departure of two coaches in two years (Irureta and Caparrós) and comparable clubs like Sevilla, Villarreal, Zaragoza and Getafe outperforming the Galicians both on the pitch and the transfer market, didn’t hint to a bright future on the short tem. The season 2006/2007 was already over for more than three weeks and the club had announced the sale of Jorge Andrade to Juventus four days before, when on that day the shocking signing of Guardado was made public. It seems that the deal itself was already done three days earlier, just one day after Jorge Andrade was sold. The name of this young Atlas player and participant of the World Cup 2006 had been related to Deportivo in the media before, but his status, price tag and an almost done deal with PSV Eindhoven (Atlético de Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal were also interested) quickly led to conclusions that signing him was impossible. The supporters were wrong though as Deportivo president Lendoiro moved swiftly to satisfy Atlas’ demands and to give Guardado the opportunity not only to play in Europe, but also a Spanish-speaking country, one of the best leagues in the world and at a club at which other important players made name and moved to the biggest clubs around (Rivaldo, Flávio Conceição, Makaay, Luque, Jorge Andrade and Arbeloa). Guardado in Mexico and the national team It was a dream finally coming true for Guardado who fourteen years earlier, aged seven, had joined Club de Futbol Atlas (one of three teams that plays in Mexico's second largest city: Guadalajara). He always had been in love with that club and later admitted that he even escaped from home from time to time in order to see Atlas. This was caused by the fact that his father didn't like to see him attending football matches. But remembers well that it was little Andrés kicking a globe, instead of a ball, when he was a little boy … When he passed all stages of Atlas’ youth systems, aged nineteen he made his debut at Mexico’s highest level. It was Saturday 20 August 2005 during a match against Pachuca when his team was down 0-2. With twenty minutes remaining, Guardado entered the pitch and led a historic come-back: 3-2. Three matches after it, the new idol of Atlas became a starter at the club and never gave this up until his move to Deportivo two years later. Just four months after his debut (14 December 2005), Guardado already made his debut with the national team of Mexico against Hungary. This even led to his inclusion in Mexico’s squad for the World Cup 2006. Before his departure to Germany, he married his long-term sweet heart, Briana Guardado Morales. Mexico finished second in Group D after Portugal and met Argentina in the second round. Guardado started that match as playmaker, his first minutes of this World Cup, when he limped off injured after 66 minutes. Mexico was eliminated in extra-time after an astonishing strike of Argentinean midfielder Maxi Rodríguez. But because of his presence and performance, Guardado’s name got into the books of many European scouts. FIFA included him on their list of most promising players. Benfica were seriously interested and Real Madrid wanted him on loan for two years. That offer was quickly rejected and the officials of Atlas made clear that the player would only be sold if a club was offering €6 million. It’s said that Madrid had a contract of €35.000 per month waiting for Guardado. Guardado stayed in Mexico and would reach a total of 62 matches/6 goals (and 10 goal assists) at Atlas during the Torneo Apertura 2005, Torneo Clausura 2006, Torneo Apertura 2006 and Torneo Clausura 2007. Being an important club player, Guardado was called to play the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 (June 6 - June 24) with Mexico. Before, on 28 February 2007, in a match against Venezuela, Guardado scored his first goal for his country and was linked to Arsenal, Atlético de Madrid and Manchester United. During the Gold Cup his country survived a group with Honduras, Panama and Cuba, eliminated Cost Rica and Guadeloupe in the next rounds and met the United States in the final. It was Guardado who, in front of 60,000 spectators at Chicago’s Soldier Field, gave Mexico the lead just before half-time. But the final eventually was lost 1-2. Nevertheless, Guardado was one of the seven players who earned a Honourable Mention in a election which saw Deportivo/Canada midfielder Julián de Guzmán being picked as Most Valuable Player (MVP) and having a place in the All-Star Team. Only three days after the final was played, Mexico (as invitee) already were playing against Brazil at the Copa América 2007 (June 26 – July 15). Without slightly injured Guardado, Mexico quickly qualified for the next round by beating Brazil (2-0) and Ecuador (2-1). With Mexico already qualified, Guardado made his return in the team in a dull 0-0 draw against Chile and one of his efforts hit the post. His status was enough to make him start the Quarter Final match against Paraguay, when Mexico crushed its opponents (6-0) and Guardado earned his side a penalty kick. However, Mexico didn’t reach the final because of a loss against Argentina (0-3), in an encounter with another effort of starter Guardado hitting a post. At that moment, Guardado was a Deportivo player already. His performances in Mexico had kept him in the spot lights which only was increased by his performances at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. PSV Eindhoven, who in South America are considered an important step towards Europe’s biggest clubs thanks to Romario and Ronaldo, had already been negotiating with Atlas for a while. Their latest offer was one of €4.45 million for 75% of the player rights. Atlas were seriously considering this offer when suddenly Lendoiro entered the scene. After the disappointment because of the failed signing of Argentinean midfielder Bolatti, who eventually signed at FC Porto, a bid of €7 million convinced the Atlas directors and a deal was done in a matter of hours. This sum is a record amount of money in Mexican football; €5.25 million would be paid in the next 18 months and the final 25% in the three years after. This lightning movement fulfilled a demand of new Deportivo coach Miguel Ángel Lotina, who wanted more creativity upfront and at least two or three players with a reputation. At the same time, Guardado fitted into the profile Deportivo president Lendoiro wanted for his new project: young, ambitious and talented players to rise the value of the club during the next years. “The image of the new style of Mexican football” But what, in 2007, was Guardado’s status exactly, who barely had been at the highest level for two years without an impressive scoring record? First of all, Guardado is technically very gifted. Besides, he is known to have a powerful left foot. This weapon he already used to score beautiful goals like the one scored in the final of the Gold Cup against the United States. All six of his goals in Mexico were made from outside the box, something confirmed by Guardado: “At Atlas I’m more or less a midfielder covering the whole left flank from forward to backward. I don’t have many opportunities to come closer to the goal and that’s why my goals come from outside the area”. Also, the player is energetic and a fighter. He rarely gives up. Within two years he debuted at the highest Mexican level, became an international player, started against Argentina at the World Cup 2007 at the age of nineteen, and one year later was among the best Mexican players during the Gold Cup and Copa America tournaments. In Mexico he was considered to be a huge star at the same level of striker Carlos Vela, who was signed by Arsenal in November 2005 aged only sixteen, and Barcelona’s Giovanni Dos Santos. Guardado even already signed an exclusive sponsorship with the brand Adidas, a fact that only young stars like Messi had achieved so far. The comparison with Messi was made before, as admitted by Guardado. “It’s true that I’m compared to him. But I think I’m more able to do defensive actions too. He’s a great player, a ‘crack’, and does very well upfront. He has a lot of qualities, but I also know how to defend. Besides, he’s more explosive than I am and sometimes plays as a striker. Yes, we’re a little differen”. Mexican newspaper El Informador called Guardado “the image of the new style of Mexican football”. Guardado was signed when he participated during the Copa América 2007, but after it quickly spoke about his move to Deportivo. “I always wanted to play in Spain because it’s the best competition in the world. That was important for me. I even cried when I heard about it. I’m very motivated to sign at one of the best clubs in the country, although I don’t want to downgrade PSV Eindhoven who are also important. I analysed all with my family, with my agent, with the directors of Atlas and with Rafa Márquez (the Barcelona defender who was formed at Atlas too). Deportivo was the best option. For example, Rafa Márquez talked to me in a very positive way about the club. That it’s an important club and they have a lot of young players in their squad, that La Coruña is a pretty city and overall that Deportivo is an institution with great supporters. I know that they’re very loyal despite the bad results lately. But before Deportivo were fighting for the highest spots in the table. I know that Lotina has been around for a while and it was he who wanted me, and for this already I’m thankful. Of the players I was told that Riki is very good, Valerón unfortunately injured and I know about the presence of Coloccini. Asked about the high expectations he aroused in La Coruña, Guardado said: “I know about that as I’ve been looking on the internet. I think that their supporters are satisfied with my signing and convinced that I could do things well. As a team I think that we must believe in ourselves and to go from match to match. To put up a fight in every one of them. Participating means wanting to win. If not than we better not play matches. That’s the mentality we need to have to fight for something big. I hope that the supporters will be satisfied with my work and that within one or two years I can be a reference”. Asked if he considered Deportivo to be a trampoline towards a bigger club, Guardado said: “Not for now. First I want to win a place at Deportivo and to establish myself with this team in European football. That is what’s important. At a minimum I want to fulfil the four years of my contract in La Coruña”. Guardado’s summer in La Coruña At Deportivo, Guardado became the second Mexican player ever to wear the shirt of the club. The first Mexican player to have played in La Coruña was José Luis Borbolla during the 1940s. It was to Guardado to repay the faith Deportivo had in him and to succeed in Europe. However, there was no guarantee that this would work out. Until then, only Mexican players like Hugo Sánchez (ex-Real Madrid), Rafa Márquez (FC Barcelona), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven), Pardo and Osorio (both at Stuttgart) had triumphed outside of their country. Anyway, coach Lotina was extremely satisfied with the arrival of Guardado and agreed that he’s “one of the best young Mexican players around with a great future ahead. He’s young but already has a lot of experience at the highest level. It’s the reinforcement I asked for. He has been signed to be a starting player, but first we need to talk with him about how he feels best. Now we have a competitive left flank with Filipe and Guardado, although we would like to have another player for that zone”. Guardado is nicknamed either El Príncipe, Zorro Plateado or Chico Maravilla. Guardado left Atlas in tears and was given the Trofeo al Mérito Deportivo del Club Deportivo Atlas, an award that Atlas only gives to it’s legendary players. Two weeks after his signing was announced, he travelled to La Coruña and was received by one hundred supporters at the little Alvedro airport. On 24 July 2007 he was officially presented in front of 4,000 fans in Riazor. Before that, he gave an interview to Depor Sport and admitted that the welcome at the airport had surprised him: “I didn’t expect that although I know that my arrival has generated big hopes and that my responsibility is big. I must adapt quickly to Lotina’s style to play a good year. It’s a big chance tough because I leave my family and friends behind and also the club where I played all of my life. But now I’ve arrived at a great club in a great city, reasons why I don’t think I will have problems adapting. But people will use players as Bebeto, Rivaldo, Djalminha and Mauro Silva as reference. It’s my responsibility to demonstrate something on the pitch”. Guardado was later given number eighteen, something he wanted: “At Atlas I was given number seventeen at my debut, but in the Mexican national team it was eighteen. That’s the number that I love”. The little Mexican immediately joined the squad at Vilalba and was the centre of all attention. Once more he responded to endless questions of journalist. He admitted that he hadn’t seen the city yet because he was immediately rushed to the training ground. Over there one of the first persons he spoke to was Valerón. “He’s Deportivo’s most famous player and he’s a great representative of the club. He can help younger players, like me, who have just arrived in football. For me it’s important to have contact with someone who can teach me things. He has earned his status on the pitch, I still have to earn it”. When he was asked about his status in Mexico, where’s his idol and admired by many women, he replied: “I don’t think that will happen here. But it doesn’t bother me. I met my wife before I became famous. The good thing is that she doesn’t like football…but in Guadalajara it was already difficult for me to go shopping, for example”. Lotina was delighted with his arrival. “Taking in mind his age, he’s a very complete player. He runs and works a lot and possesses technical qualities. He’s a dynamic left winger and certainly an interesting signing. He will have responsibilities in this team and I’m sure that he will know how to face them”. Nine days after his presentation he played his first match, as a starter, against Paços de Ferreira at Deportivo’s left wing. During the first half he was the best player of the Galicians and delivered some fine crosses. Lotina said that he showed character: “Rivals kicked him, but he simply continued. He didn’t protest and knew how to keep possession. He’s really brave”. Uruguayan striker Taborda also praised him: “Without a doubt he’s a great player. Hopefully we can take advantage of his abilities”. When Deportivo presented their kits for the season 2007/2008, Guardado was doing that next to Valerón, Manuel Pablo and Aouate. Guardado started in the 2007 Teresa Herrera against Atalanta Bergamo and was, again, Deportivo's most dangerous player. Out of his cross Atalanta defender Carrozzieri scored an own goal. Striker Riki admitted that “Guardado has surprised me a lot. He runs a lot and helps in both defence and attack. He has a great level and let’s hope that he keeps this up”. Lotina said that he would love to have two other signings of his calibre: “If we bring two more players like him, it would be wonderful. At his age he’s tremendous”. Guardado also played the final of the tournament against Real Madrid but was less active in this match. He admitted that “I felt a little lost in this game and missed participation… But fortunately we won the tournament! Imagine that, after seven straight wins, I come here and we lose…” Media quickly started to assume that Guardado’s presence in La Coruña could become much shorter than the four years of his contract. Guardado commented: “Only time will tell. But I am happy here and want to fulfil my contract. Deportivo showed confidence in me and I owe them a lot”. How decisive he can be was shown against some quality Galician rivals like Racing de Ferrol (Segunda A) and Lugo (Segunda B). He started both matches and scored from a free-kick against Ferrol. The trio Lafita/Guardado/Adrián were decisive in the 0-2 win at Lugo. Lafita and Guardado quickly established a personal friendship and the ex-Zaragoza player mentioned that he had followed him at the Copa America. “So I already knew he’s a great player. For me that wasn’t a surprise”. A curious incident with his dog almost made him miss the first Liga match of the season against Almería as he lost two teeth. Despite the pain, Lotina quickly reassured though that the Mexican would be fit to face the new boys in Primera. What could happen to Deportivo? Guardado survives during difficult months The home match against Almería became a disaster: 0-3. Guardado started at Deportivo’s left wing and led the first wave of attacks of the Galicians. But slowly the initiative was lost and after half an hour the team was losing by two goals. Guardado called it “a sad debut but nothing is done yet. We should fix the errors and improve in our next match”. The Mexican was the only player of Deportivo praised in the media, but Lotina was more critical. He said that wingers Cristián and Guardado played “too much open” and therefore De Guzmán and Sergio were overrun. It became tough months for the team as the match against Almería was a sign of things to come. The Galicians never repeated that crappy performance and in the first part of the season were quite good in most matches, but early February shared the third relegation spot with teams like Bilbao, Osasuna and Murcia. Only Recreativo and Levante did worse. Guardado wasn’t to be blamed tough. The little Mexican started all of the matches until then and was taken off just four times. At Sevilla (a 0-1 win) it was to save time, against Valladolid (a 3-1 win) he received a standing ovation and only the 2-4 defeat against Valencia was painful in this aspect. His fourth substitution was in the away match at Betis Sevilla were he suffered an injury which would sideline him for six weeks. Those matches against Valladolid and Betis Sevilla in early 2008 were the first signs of Deportivo’s revival. In the months before, just seventeen points were taken from twenty matches. The home match against Betis Sevilla (a 1-0 win) in September was when Guardado shined for the first time in the Primera División. He scored a quick goal after eight minutes with an acrobatic move and was Deportivo’s most dangerous player in Riazor. Riki should have scored out of one of his passes and Verdú hit the post. Of course, Guardado was satisfied with the match: “But not only for the goal, because we won. We showed a different face and attitude today”. People now started to assume that a new top scorer and leader was born, but he denied that: “I’m not the new leader. There are players with more experience than me and they should be having those roles. I’m young and still have to learn”. One of those leaders, Valerón, assured that “we’re all happy with Andrés. He’s a good option, especially for the future. He already possesses experience and he has his head at the right place. We only need to be patient”. Colleague Filipe revealed that “he’s the kind of player that any side defender is dreaming to play with. He’s good in the offensive sector and helps defensively. The defender behind him with enjoy it a lot”. But, of course, it wasn’t all sunshine. Deportivo scored no goals against Getafe (0-0) and Recreativo (a 0-2 loss) and displayed a bad image. Guardado was no Rivaldo (yet) to be the hero in such matches and wasn’t fine. After the match against Recreativo he admitted that he was “pissed” with himself. “It wasn’t one of my best games, but we must raise our heads”. In September, the Mexican travelled twice to the other side of the world to play for his country. But at the end of September, at Espanyol, he started his sixth match for Deportivo in five weeks. Espanyol’s Zabalata didn’t know how to handle him, but unfortunately not one of the numerous chances was converted and the Catalans used one out of two opportunities to score: 1-0. However, the team fixed that during the away match at Sevilla. It still took seventy minutes when a long ball of De Guzmán ended up at Guardado’s left wing and the little Mexican ran fifty meters without opposition. His pass to Riki was converted by the striker and this deadly counterattack secured a memorable win: 0-1. La Voz de Galicia said that he was “in magisterial form” and called the duels between Alvés and Guardado “the best of this match”. Ex-left wing Fran, an icon at Deportivo, confirmed that he had liked what he had seen so far of Guardado. “But we must be patient though. We can’t say he’s a star already after some matches. I’ve seen hundreds of players who had six spectacular months and then disappeared… We need to stay calm and I’m sure that he will demonstrate his qualities”. Guardado connected well with play maker Verdú, who called it “easy to play alongside Guardado because of the qualities he possesses”. The next rivals were Real Madrid and Valencia and the coaches of these clubs were asked about Guardado. Valencia coach Quique Flores pointed to him as “the one who can make the difference. It’s up to us to reduce the danger”. Bernd Schuster of Real Madrid said that “Guardado is finding a place in Spanish football. He’s a very technical player with intuition, the boy is difficult to stop. He’s very dangerous alongside Riki”. Guardado played some friendlies with Mexico and simply continued to be a starter at his club. The match against Valencia was lost 2-4, but the Mexican called it “a misleading result. We played a good game but paid a high price for our mistakes”. Playing at the Bernabéu was “a dream for every Mexican boy and am just one of them”. In the end he wasn’t very lucky in that stadium. He made a useless foul on Ruud van Nistelrooy, after Deportivo had taken a shocking lead, and the Dutch striker could equalize the match from the spot. Guardado was very active and dangerous, but wasted a great opportunity in front of Casillas. The match finished 3-1, and the Mexican blamed himself after it: “I’m pissed with myself, very sad, because the penalty changed the course of the match. We could have decided it but didn’t do it. We were playing well, with a favourable result, but now I have to learn from my mistake and I think it won’t happen again”. He showed responsibility three days later against Mallorca in Riazor. Just before the break, Deportivo were awarded a penalty kick and the Mexican scored from the spot. However, it only tied the match as Guïza had given Mallorca an early lead. Again, Guardado was involved at an opponent’s goal when he lost possession in midfield. It became clear that he still had to learn how to cope with his enthusiasm. The good aspect was that Guardado chased every ball in this match and stepped forward to take the penalty when he didn’t need to do that. In the end it was only one point though against ten-man Mallorca, a point which Guardado called “worthless. At Murcia we must win no matter what”. In that match, Deportivo launched some deadly counter-attacks. With twenty minutes remaining, and the team already one goal up, Aouate launched Guardado and the Mexican converted his 40-meter run into Deportivo’s second goal. He celebrated the goal with bench-sitter Lafita. The team now was three points away from the danger zone and there was a lot of relief. A problem appeared when Guardado was related to Mexico playing the pre-Olympic tournament in March which could lead to him missing five Liga matches. National coach Hugo Sánchez pointed to Guardado, Giovani and Carlos Vela and wanted to talk about their presence himself. Lotina didn’t want to release him and Deportivo had the right to do so, as the tournament wasn’t part of the FIFA calendar. In the end it was Lendoiro who arranged with the Mexican football federation that Guardado didn’t have to participate. After 970 minutes on the pitch, Guardado had scored three goals in a team having difficulties with scoring. “But I’m not a finisher”, he said. “Scoring goals is good for my confidence and I think I can add some more this season”. Aouate had joked about Guardado being in debt with him for the assist at Murcia and the Mexican explained why he involved Lafita in the celebration: “It was planned. Several incidents indicated that I would score. For example, Pablo Amo said that and I told Lafita in the player’s tunnel that I would celebrate a goal with him if I would score. It remained in my head but I think that Lafita had totally forgotten about it…. We have a nice connection and support each other”. Guardado said that he had more peace of mind now after some difficult weeks and revealed that his father was the best ‘psychologist’ for that. “I talked with him, because when I have problems I always talk with my father. I think that a loved person is the one who can help most in a mental sense and he does that with me. When I feel down, he’s the one that I seek”. But while Guardado was feeling more comfortable on the pitch, Deportivo got back into stormy weather. The team went five matches without a win. Guardado called the 0-1 defeat against Racing “unbelievable. They just created one opportunity and scored a goal while we had at least four huge chances”. Opponent Scaloni, ex-captain of Deportivo, referred to the World Cup match between Argentina and Mexico when they played against each other. “Their coach used him before their five-man defence. It was a big surprise for everybody and my coach (Pekerman) told me that a player called Guardado would play and quickly described him”. Statistics indicated that Deportivo had been trying a lot in the Liga to score goals. The team were second on the list of crosses made and Guardado led Deportivo’s efforts, and was the third in the Pimera División. One of them was converted by Taborda at Bilbao when the team saved a point in injury-time (2-2). Out of his corner-kick Rubén Castro scored the equalizer against Osasuna but Guardado’s match was curious. He started at right wing, with Riki at the left, but this wasn’t a success. When Osasuna scored their late winner from a free-kick, goalkeeper Aouate said that “I asked for a four-man wall but Guardado joined them. That had nothing to do with it… But it obstructed my sight”. Nevertheless, Guardado was having a positive impact on a troubled team. Spanish sports paper AS claimed that Italian giants AC Milan were interested in him and even speculated that they could make a move in the winter months. When Guardado was asked about the topic, he said that “it’s something to be proud of. Milan are one of the most famous clubs in the world. But the fans of Deportivo should know that my focus is here. I want to stay here for a long time”. Guardado was involved for a third time in a row when Deportivo scored, this time at Barcelona. Before this match it was rumoured that Guardado would play as left defender to handle fast Messi, but in the end Filipe and Guardado joined forces at left wing. His compatriot, and ex-Atlas player, Rafael Márquez already warned Barcelona about the little Mexican: “He’s going to have a big future. We must watch out for him because he delivers fine crosses, good passes and also possesses the capacity to shoot from long-distance”. In the first moments of the match, a combination of Filipe and Guardado reached Cristián who gave the Galicians a 0-1 lead. But, as usual, despite the good game the team ended without points. Guardado continued his fine form though. Against Zaragoza it was him who delivered the cross when Coloccini scored the equalizer (1-1). He wasn’t very much noticed at Levante (a 0-1 win), but that win was crucial to keep a safe spot at just one point distance. Looking back at 2007, Guardado said that “the adaptation process went well and I feel fine and I specially thank my parents and coaches for that. I live a calm life in this small and pretty city. I like it and it’s comfortably living here”. Something which he missed was the Mexican food. “Simply because I’m used to that. It has a spicy taste that’s different to here but we as Mexicans like it”. When asked about the situation of Deportivo, he showed optimism: “It’s the least I can do. We are working really well and are enjoying our matches but we simply need to have some luck. But it won’t always be like this and soon we will leave this situation behind us. Our advantage is that we have a very united and good group if players. We’re not inexperienced, and several of us know what it’s like to avoid relegation”. After having started all seventeen matches in the first part of the season, the 2008-part of the season became more difficult for Guardado because of injuries. He started the first five matches of 2008 against Aguirre’s Atlético, Villareal, Almería, Valladolid and Betis. Guardado was unnoticed against Atlético. Together with Laure he formed Deportivo’s right wing at Villarreal and both players were very active. Guardado scored a last-minute goal in this match which didn’t help though: a 4-3 loss. It was his fourth goal at the club and he also had five assists behind his name. Guardado seemed to join the ones who became desperate when the team lost 1-0 at Almería near the end: “It seems that were are carrying something that’s out of our reach. We have tried everything and still are in the same situation. We need something new and we need it now, because if not it will be too late. What was new against Valladolid (a 3-1 win) can’t be described in one word: first of all, Lotina used a 5-3-2 system with Guardado and De Guzmán in the back of Xisco. Pablo Amo had played his first match of the season at Villarreal and missed the Almería match because of suspension. Lopo played his first match of the season at Almería, and now Lotina could use both of them against Valladolid next to Coloccini. Furthermore, Valerón entered the match after 54 weeks without Liga participation. Finally, before the match the team had had been cheered by hundreds of supporters in front of the hotel and seemed very determined”. In the match itself, it was Guardado’s shot which gave Xisco the chance to score Deportivo’s second goal. The Mexican scored the third goal himself after a 50-metre run of Riki. It was the other way round compared to the Sevilla match earlier that season. During the next week, Guardado suffered from muscle problems and on Thursday didn’t finish the training session. But when the squad travelled to Sevilla to face Betis, he said: “I am fine and hope to be at 100% for the game. I feel ready to play”. He did start the match, but after eleven minutes couldn’t continue. Despite the 0-1 victory, Lotina wasn’t amused with the injury. “I always tell my players that they should tell me if that can’t play. He wanted to play and now is out for several weeks. That upsets me more than the fact that we had to make an early substitution. In this new system there’s a lot of space for our wingers and we will miss him. He’s an extremely vertical player who was creating a lot of danger this season”. Injuries spoil the season-end The Betis matches became turning points for Guardado’s fortune in the season 2007/2008. At home, he scored his first goal at Deportivo and gave his side the first victory. Away, the result was repeated but Guardado wouldn’t start another match that season. There was confusion about who was to blame for the incident, but Guardado took responsibility: “In the end it was my fault. I’m the best doctor of myself and I was feeling fine. It’s my first important injury and didn’t realize the impact of the risk. I’ve played before with some troubles and I didn’t want to leave the team. Maybe I would have received the same critics if I had said that I had a small problem and couldn’t play. Now I am calm about my decision. It wasn’t the right one, but it’s a fact now”. It was rumoured that he could be fit to start against Sevilla and Valencia, but in the end it took two more weeks when he returned as a substitute in the match against Real Madrid. It had been six weeks in which Deportivo had become another team. The Galicians had taken seven points against Espanyol, Sevilla and Valencia and Guardado’s replacement Lafita had scored three goals. The 1-0 win against Real Madrid took the team to fourteenth spot. Both Lafita and Lotina had mentioned that both players can play together, but Lotina replaced one with the other near the end of the Madrid match. The next match at Mallorca was one of the worst of the second round, and only Guardado’s entrance on the second half have some hopes to the team. Guardado seemed more cautious now and claimed that he wasn’t ready yet to play a full match: “I could be there for ninety minutes, but I would be exhausted. Besides, I’m not the type to transmit negative vibrations. I will always support the ones who are playing and Lafita and Wilhelmsson are doing great”. In the same month, Mexico’s Olympic team were eliminated in the qualification round. It was no surprise that Guardado only was a substitute during the 3-1 win against Murcia, but bad luck struck after just eight minutes when he had to be replaced by Valerón. After the match, Lotina confirmed the new injury and scans on Monday would reveal how serious it was. He wouldn’t reappear in seven weeks. Guardado was very disappointed: “I never suffered an injury in my career and now there are two consecutive problems. It’s sad to realize that I will almost miss the entire second round of the season, but I’m still young and have enough time to overcome this bittersweet taste in my mouth”. The player was allowed by Deportivo to work in Mexico for two weeks on his recovery at his former club Atlas. In the mean time it became clear that the team wasn’t Guardado-dependent. In fact, for Guardado personally the statistics for the season 2007/2008 weren’t that satisfying. He started twenty-two matches, and half of them were lost. The other matches ended up in five wins and six losses. But Guardado was in the team during the crucial 3-1 win against Valladolid which turned the season around and the Mexican scored a goal in this match. Nothing indicates that the good results of Deportivo in the second round of the season were achieved because Guardado was not available. In fact, the supposed interest of AC Milan for signing him during the season 2007/2008 reappeared and now was followed by supposed interest of FC Barcelona to acquire him for next year. Ronaldinho was on his way out of the club and the Catalans were looking for a replacement, with David Silva being their favourite. When Guardado returned to La Coruña, the medical staff had to slow down hyper-motivated Guardado. “It’s even a little scary how determined he has returned”, doctor Barral said. When the season was almost over, Lotina was asked about the most surprising players this season and he mentioned Guardado after De Guzmán. “Next year, without a doubt, he will become a star”, Lotina said about him. Guardado returned to the team during the final match of the season when he was given ten minutes as a substitute against Villarreal. It was only his fourth appearance, as a substitute, since early February. Despite that he had missed half a season, Guardado had scored five goals and, together with Manuel Pablo, had given most assists (five). The fan club Deportivo-La-Coruna.com voted him as best young player (under the age of twenty-three) and best newcomer of the season 2007/2008. He could have won the third award, of best player, if he hadn’t missed twelve matches. 2008/2009: Guardado's year? During the season 2008/2009, Guardado won’t be the only Mexican in the squad as striker Omar Bravo was signed. The striker mentioned that the presence of Guardado was one of the reasons why eventually he had picked Deportivo. He described himself as ‘quite reserved’ but called Guardado, in a friendly manner, to be “crazy and hyper-active! I admire him and respect him a lot and hopefully he will help me to adapt quickly”. In June the club became a little nervous when Guardado, playing several matches with the Mexican national team, was lined-up although he had been substituted in a previous match because of an injury. But the little Mexican seemed fine and joined Deportivo in their pre-season tour in Venezuela. During the summer, Lotina experimented with the many quality players he had available for the creative and because of the absence of a specific right winger. Because of availability he opted for Valerón and Lafita a lot, but a last-minute injury (appendicitis) of Lafita spoiled the presence of the ex-Zaragoza player in the team against Hajduk Split (a 0-0 draw) and his replacement, Guardado, was one of the best players on the pitch. Despite the competition, it seems certain that Guardado will find his place in the team and all indicates that he will improve on his first season at the club.