Former Spanish international Luis García Fernandez is a striker who knows what it takes to come up through some of the best youth development systems in the world – having started his professional career as a youth player at Real Madrid.
After 329 games and 73 goals in La Liga with Real Murcia, Espanyol, Mallorca and Zaragoza, and a Copa del Rey title and 2007 UEFA Cup Final participation to his name, the experienced Eupen striker believes the hard work of Qatari players at the Belgian first division club is beginning to show results.
“I try to talk to them and help where we can, to transmit the experience that I have. We are lucky because the Qataris and youngsters we have are people who want to learn and listen and improve,” Garcia told www.sc.qa on the sidelines of the Aspire-owned club’s training camp in Qatar.
“All of the Qataris in the team have a strong level, we see how Fahad Abdelrahman played at a great level against Bayern Munich, and Akram Afif is in the Spanish league after being with us one-and-a-half years and helping us a lot.
“It is a great place for them to improve. When I was young I would have liked to have someone helping me, and I am very happy doing this because they know how to listen and they want to learn, which is very important.”
With the Belgian side putting on some impressive displays in their first season in the top division, and Afif playing his first season in Spanish football, Garcia believes a talented generation of Qatari players is well-placed to triumph in 2022.
“Akram is a fantastic player, Fahad has improved a lot, as have the young players who have arrived in Eupen this year. They are adapting well to European football. They have a great career ahead of them, and I hope to see them all in the World Cup in 2022. I believe they have a great career in front of them.”
Talking about Eupen’s first season in the top division of Belgian football, Garcia added: “It is a unique project in world football, both with football players from Aspire Dreams and players from Qatar, we are trying to help them to improve.
“We are in a good moment of form, we are well-placed in the league, qualified to the semi-finals of the Cup, and it is a privilege for us that Aspire gives us this opportunity. We will keep enjoying the experience and be grateful to Aspire and Qatar for giving us the chance to be in the top division.”
The entire team also got the opportunity to visit the headquarters of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) in Doha and get a detailed update on the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
“It is impressive, as it will be for all of those who love football and have seen the World Cup on television. My impression is that Qatar will organise the best World Cup in history. The stadiums are close to each other, the infrastructure which they will have, the attention to detail and the good transport infrastructure. All of this together means that this can be the best World Cup ever.”
Having recently concluded the club’s winter training camp and headed back to Belgium, García also pointed out that a winter competition would mean players reaching the tournament in their peak physical condition.
“You will see a better World Cup because players won’t reach the tournament as tired as when it is at the end of a season,” he continued.
“It will be a very nice weather, and while today it is -3 degrees in Belgium, in Doha the temperatures are very agreeable for fans.
“We have passed a great winter training camp, we are always very well-received, and we are grateful to Qatar and Aspire for inviting us to do the training here. The conditions are extraordinary. I have a lot of experience and at my 35 years of age I have been to a lot of places, but the conditions I find here are perfect to improve and to play football.” (SC.qa)
Former Spanish international Luis Garcia Fernandez.
