Baptista: “My overhead-kick against Getafe wasn't bad, but Cristiano's was better..”
Cristiano's effort versus Juventus was superb - but so was Julio Baptista's superb stoppage-time strike when Getafe were guests of Málaga in Week 7 in 2011.
Cristiano's majestic overhead kick in the Champions League quarter final first leg against Juventus was sublime - but Julio Baptista's stoppage-time strike for Málaga against visiting Getafe in October 2011 was equally as stunning and is regarded as one of the best goals scored in LaLiga. Diario AS caught up with The Beast to remember that wonderful goal and discuss the repsective situations of two of his former clubs - Málaga and Real Madrid, who meet later tonight at La Rosaleda.
What are you doing with yourself these days, have you retired from playing football?
Yes. Next week I'll be starting a coaching course. I'm living in Madrid.
Málaga rooted to the bottom of the table, 14 points from safety
Does it make you feel sad to see Málaga in such a difficult situation?
Unfortunately, when things go wrong, results tend to follow and no one likes that. Málaga planned poorly. They haven't brought in players to make a strong squad and now they are suffering. This is the result of years and years of not doing things properly.
So you mean you could see this coming?
Yes. I'm not surprised they are having problems. I can't really comment on their financial situation as I'm not informed enough to do so but their sporting situation is worrying. As a club, Málaga grew very quickly but they were unable to sustain it. And they're paying the price for that.
Unusual season for Real Madrid
How do you see another of your old clubs, and guests of Málaga on Sunday night - Real Madrid?
It's been an atypical year for them. It's been difficult because they have dropped a lot of points at home and that has cost them the league. But in the Champions League they've been looking very strong. I think they're one of the favourites because they are hitting form just at the right time.
Cristiano vs Baptista: acrobatic scorecard
Cristiano scored a fantastic overhead kick against Juventus - like yours against Getafe in 2011. Which one is the best?
You guys always like to compare things… (laughs). Cristiano's goal was really nice - I say that because he did it in a Champions League game of huge importance. For the occasion, the opponents, I'd say his was the best. But my overhead-kick was very nice too. That was in a league game. Cristiano was slightly to one side when he leapt while I completely had my back to goal and I fired it at an angle into the top corner. They're different overhead-kicks. That was one of the best goals I ever scored.
What were your thoughts on Benatia's controversial penalty?
For me it's a penalty. The Juventus player comes leading in with his arm from behind and didn't get to the ball. It's a penalty and a red card because it was his second booking. But you never know if, in a game like that, with the score level, a ref would blow for a penalty on 90 minutes if it was the other way around. I wouldn't know how to answer that question.
How do you see tonight's game between Málaga and Real Madrid?
Madrid will want to make sure of second place to not have any problems. I don't think Málaga will be making it easy for them for they are 90% going down. They'll be battling to the death.
Málaga have to fight for survival
What do Málaga need to do to lift spirits?
They have to knuckle down and do things better in the future. If they don't, they're going to really struggle. They need to get good staff on board and bring in the kind of players who can fit into their style of football. If they continue getting it wrong they could end up in the Segunda B. They need to avoid relegation or get back to the top flight as soon as they can if they go down.
Would you be interested if Málaga offered you a job?
It depends. I am studying for my coaching certificate and so right now isn't the moment. I can't help Málaga now but maybe in the future.
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