According to Marca, Como center-back Jacobo Ramón discussed his decision to leave Real Madrid, Fàbregas's recruitment of him, Como's performance this season, and his feelings about his first call-up to the Spain national team in an interview with Radio MARCA.
Jacobo Ramón joined Real Madrid at the age of eight and, after twelve years at the club, decided to leave to prove himself as a center-back outside of Valdebebas. He found his place at Como, coached by Fàbregas, and has now received his first call-up to the Spain national team. In Las Rozas, the defender reflected on the criticism he received after his first start at Butarque, the phone call from Fàbregas that convinced him to move to Italy, and how Assane Diao messaged him to inform him of his inclusion in the Spain squad, all on Radio MARCA's "La Tribu" program.
Q: How do you recall your first start for Real Madrid at Butarque?
Jacobo Ramón: I was very happy that day. Despite how the match unfolded and what happened, I remember it with great affection. It was my first start for Real Madrid, something I had dreamed of for a long time.
Q: How did you cope with the criticism after that penalty?
Jacobo Ramón: Real Madrid is the most demanding club in the world, and I knew I would receive some criticism after that match. With the support of my family and those around me, you eventually get through it. I knew it was just one game, and afterwards, I had the opportunity to leave and prove what kind of player I am.
Q: You joined Real Madrid at eight and stayed for twelve years. Was it hard to make the decision to leave?
Jacobo Ramón: I also knew it was time for me to take this step. Breaking into the first team is very difficult, and the competition is extremely fierce. I felt I had to prove myself as a player elsewhere. I took the right step at the right time, and so far, it's going well.
Q: What attracted you to Como?
Jacobo Ramón: This club is very ambitious. Last year, we had a great season and qualified for the Champions League. And of course, there's the coach Fàbregas. He called me and explained his philosophy of the game, which I felt perfectly matched me as a player. I had almost no doubt that this was the right place for me.
Q: Were you surprised that Fàbregas knew so much about you?
Jacobo Ramón: His assistant coach, Dani Guindos, coached me previously in the Real Madrid youth academy. I think he learned more about me through Dani Guindos. Fàbregas also watched some of my games and felt I would fit well into his tactical system.
Q: What is the secret of this Como team that can score nine goals in one match?
Jacobo Ramón: That was a game where everything we tried worked. I don't think it will happen often again. The secret lies in the team. We are all very committed and dedicated to the coach's philosophy. All of this has one author, and that is Fàbregas. He works very well with us, and we are currently responding to him with our performances.
Q: If someone hasn't watched Como play yet, what would you tell them?
Jacobo Ramón: I think we play attractive football. We try to press high, win the ball back as far up the pitch as possible, and play with a high defensive line. With the ball, we aim to build from the back and create chances after breaking through the opponent's press.
Q: How did you find out you were on the Spain squad list?
Jacobo Ramón: I was at home, calm, when my teammate Assane Diao suddenly called me, shouting. I asked him what was wrong, and he told me to look at the photo he sent me. It was the call-up list. At first, I thought he was joking, but then I checked the time, and it was exactly when the list was announced. So I said, "I guess I have to believe it." I was very happy.
Q: Did you anticipate it?
Jacobo Ramón: I knew I was on the preliminary list and that there was a possibility, but I didn't think too much about it. For me, it's a gift. If I get in, great; if not, my path continues. Thank God, I finally got this opportunity.
Q: How were your first few hours at the training camp?
A: Some of the players I've been watching since I was little. Many of them I mainly know from TV. They welcomed me very well, and I'm very grateful.
Q: Who looked after you the most when you first arrived?
Jacobo Ramón: Everyone took care of me a bit. I was a bit shy at first, and they made it easy for me to integrate. Dean Huijsen looked after me quite well, and Cubarsi sat at my table. Overall, everyone helped me a lot.
Q: Do you imagine sharing a locker room with Dean Huijsen at Real Madrid?
Jacobo Ramón: I don't know. Right now, I'm only focused on Como. We have a very promising season ahead of us. It's November, almost just starting, and we have enough to deal with in Italy. I'm really not thinking about that.
Q: After leaving, did you realize you were living in a bubble while at Castilla?
Jacobo Ramón: Yes, without a doubt. I came to Real Madrid at a very young age and was used to the environment and facilities there. Once you leave, you realize that even at Castilla, you have more resources than many La Liga teams.
Q: How did you deal with online attacks after your Real Madrid debut?
Jacobo Ramón: As players, we know we are exposed. Anyone can write anything on social media, and you can see it. At that time, mentality is very important to let it affect you as little as possible. The first time always has a greater impact. Real Madrid is the most exposed team in the world; if you don't do well or the results are not good, you know you will be criticized. The important thing is to get through it and not let it affect your future.
Q: Did what you read after the Leganes game affect you?
Jacobo Ramón: I was very surprised by so many things for the first time. I tried to get over it as quickly as possible, thinking that I didn't even know those people. What was important to me was what the people inside Real Madrid thought, especially the love of my family and friends.
Q: What would you say to those who judge a youth player as not good enough for Real Madrid after just 45 minutes?
Jacobo Ramón: Everyone can have their own opinion, but a player cannot be judged in 45 minutes. Many factors determine a match, including luck. If the ball hits your hand that day, it's a penalty, that's all. Those who make it to the first team are very well prepared. They are there for a reason. The quality is there.
Q: Which center-back was your role model growing up?
Jacobo Ramón: Sergio Ramos. I'm a center-back, and I grew up at Real Madrid, so for us, he was the benchmark.
Q: What is your earliest memory of the Spain team?
Jacobo Ramón: The 2010 World Cup. I was five years old then, but I can still remember some things from that World Cup we won.
Q: Luis Milla said he wouldn't be surprised to see Fàbregas coach Real Madrid. Would you be surprised if he moved to coach a big club?
Jacobo Ramón: I don't know if it would be Real Madrid or another team, but I certainly wouldn't be surprised if he coached a big club. He is a formidable coach, and he has already proven it at Como. He will definitely have an incredible coaching career.
Q: Are you the type of person who watches three or four games on Saturday if you have a match on Sunday?
Jacobo Ramón: Yes, I am that type of person. I love football very much and watch many games.
Q: What do you think about the competition between Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid in La Liga?
Jacobo Ramón: It's very exciting now. The three teams are very close, and their quality is very high. The more entertaining La Liga is, the better for the audience.