Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch has reflected on his rapid rise through the club’s ranks, his experiences training alongside the first team, and his ambitions for the future in an interview with AS.
After progressing from Juvenil A to Castilla and earning opportunities to train with the senior squad, Pitarch said he has tried to remain grounded throughout his development.
“I started with the Juvenil A team and thought, ‘I’ll see how it goes.’ Then I started playing well with Castilla and later
I began training with the first team. I’ve taken it all very calmly. I still surround myself with the same people. The only thing that matters to me is enjoying playing football.”
The midfielder admitted that adapting to the level at Real Madrid is a challenge, but believes every opportunity is a chance to grow.
“At Real Madrid, the best players in the world play, and you have to adapt. The important thing there was to enjoy every match and learn a lot from them because you never know when it might be your last.”
Pitarch also praised coach Álvaro Arbeloa and national team coach Gallardo for the confidence they have shown in him.
“I have a very good relationship with both Arbeloa and Gallardo. They’ve given me all the confidence they could, and I try to repay that on the field. It’s very important for a player to have so much confidence in his coaches.”
Asked about speculation surrounding his future under José Mourinho, Pitarch insisted his attention remains solely on Spain’s upcoming European Championship final.
“Mourinho has not contacted me yet. I’m focused on the European Championship final and that’s all I’m thinking about. We’ll see what happens after that.”
Although he has received messages of support from Real Madrid, he revealed he is trying not to be distracted.
“I’ve spoken to several people at the club who wished me luck in the final, but honestly, I’m not really checking my phone. I’m really enjoying the experience with my teammates because you never know when you’ll get another chance like this.”
Despite acknowledging the fierce competition for places at the Santiago Bernabéu, Pitarch believes the academy continues to prepare players to step up whenever they are called upon.
“The best players in the world play for Real Madrid, which makes it harder to break into the first team, but we’re proving that when we get the chance, we’re ready. That’s why they train us in the youth academy, to help the first team.”
The 18-year-old also named the midfielders who have inspired his game, highlighting two club legends as well as one current Madrid star.
“I’ve always admired quality midfielders like Kroos and Modric, and the midfielders of Iniesta’s Spain. Now I really like Bellingham.”
Training alongside Real Madrid’s biggest names was initially overwhelming, he admitted, before becoming part of his daily routine.
“The first few days with the Real Madrid stars are a bit dazzling; it feels like you’re wearing virtual reality glasses. But little by little you get used to it and it becomes second nature.”
Pitarch reserved special praise for the first-team players who welcomed him, singling out several Spaniards and particularly Brahim Díaz.
“Everyone, I have no complaints about anyone. They’re all exceptional teammates. In the first few days, the Spaniards like Carvajal, Brahim, and Carreras were very attentive. Brahim helped me a lot from day one, and he’s a teammate I talk to quite often.”
Looking ahead, the midfielder’s objectives are clear: stay healthy, continue playing at the highest level, and keep competing in Europe’s biggest competition.
“My priority is to avoid injury. I also want to continue enjoying playing football in the top division and, if possible, keep playing in the Champions League.”
