Rudy Fernández: “Being a leader is not having a gift, it is knowing how to help”

In the Spain of change, Rudy Fernández remains eternal.

The Real Madrid forward is the only memory on the court of that glorious past of the team.

Today dressed as a captain, Rudy at the age of 37 has a museum career: 243 international matches, only 10 short of Juan Carlos Navarro's record, and 10 medals among 15 Europeans, World Cups and Games, a list of winners that far exceeds that of all their current classmates together.

That earthquake that debuted with the absolute in 2004 has covered his game with intelligence as his explosiveness has decreased.

He now recovers from a blow to his right knee to appear in the next battle.

This Saturday in Berlin against Lithuania (20.45, Four), the number 5 feels that the time has come to lead the new generation in search of the Eurobasket quarterfinals.

Rudy wants to add to his success story as he watches the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Games. The passion is still intact even though the bones are sore.

He wants to dedicate another toast to his father, Rodolfo, who passed away last May, and celebrate more successes with his two children, Alan and Aura.

Against the gigantic troop of Sabonis and Valanciunas, Rudy asks for the ball.

Ask.

What is the family?

Response.

The name says it all.

Knowing that when you get to the national team this is not just any team.

It is a family atmosphere, of friendship.

We always try to do things together.

We don't consider ourselves partners, we consider ourselves friends.

P.

How do you experience the role of captain in a group with seven players who have debuted in this Eurobasket in a big event?

R.

More than a leader, in this team we have to be aware that we all have to take a step forward.

As a veteran I know that I have to help all my teammates in every way, on and off the track.

P.

At 37 years old, you have coincided in the call with Juan Núñez, who was born the same year you made your international debut, 2004. How has that made you feel?

R.

More than feeling older, I feel proud because I have always had the opportunity to wear this shirt and because the coaches who have been there these years have considered that I could continue helping the team achieve its goals.

That speaks of my commitment.

Q.

What is it to be a good leader?

A.

He is the player who helps in any way he can.

There are players with a lot of talent, players who have a gift that others don't have, but the player must adapt to everything.

A leader must adapt to what the team needs.

Being a leader is not having a gift, it is knowing how to help.

Now in this team, at this time of so much change, we must all be the leader, not just one.

That's what we're doing in these games.

We don't have a Pau, a Navarro, a Ricky or a Marc. But these players that I name, if they hadn't had four players with them on the court they wouldn't have achieved what they did.

They also made us better.

That's why we have to be a group more than ever.

I think we are proving it.

Rudy Fernández encourages from the bench.ALBERTO NEVADO

P.

How are you more comfortable, setting an example with deeds or with words?

R.

Seniority implies everything.

My colleagues know that I have been at this for many years.

Sometimes Juanito [Núñez] has also told me how to move.

It is knowing how to listen and put attitude.

That depends only on us.

P.

This team has often exceeded expectations in other championships in which they did not arrive as favorites.

The barrier now is the round of 16 against Lithuania.

How are you seeing the generational change from within?

R.

I have been in this team for many years and it is the moment in which there have been the most changes.

I think that what we have to ask for is attitude and effort, not thinking about anything other than that.

That will be our medal.

If we continue with that mentality, the effort we put into it will depend on us.

Q.

How are you physically?

R.

Well, I have things, because age does not forgive, of course... I try to take care of myself as much as I can.

Food has been something that has cost me but in the end I have achieved it with effort and thanks to my wife.

And then I have a tub of cold water at home and a hyperbaric chamber.

Anything helps at this age.

I have to take maximum care of myself to continue enjoying this sport that has given me everything.

P. You

have Navarro's record for caps.

And if he reaches Paris 2024, he will be the only basketball player in history with six Olympic Games.

Until when does he see himself short?

A.

I don't know.

Breaking the record is not an obsession for me.

I feel very proud to be among the best.

If I continue playing, I will be at the disposal of Spain.

Another thing is that I am physically well or that the coach thinks I can help.

If not, I will be the first to step aside and leave the new generation to compete.

Now I don't think about anything else other than the day to day.

I am 37 years old, I have suffered many injuries and to think beyond that would be foolish.

👌 TRIPLE NEED |

What 3️⃣ things are essential for @ rudy5fernandez in a concentration❓

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– Basketball Spain (@BaloncestoESP) August 30, 2022

P.

Doncic chains one exhibition after another with only 23 years.

When he was his teammate at Real Madrid, did you expect him to have such a big progression?

A.

I would be lying if I said yes.

He knew that he was going to be a benchmark player in the NBA, but in a few years, not as soon as he is there and in his selection.

I'm happy for him because he's still the same guy who went up with us.

Thanks to his head he is achieving everything, that is his secret as well as his talent, and as a madridista I am glad that he carries the shield wherever he goes and always winking at Real Madrid.

P.

Regarding the case of Pablo Laso, who have you understood more, the coach you wanted to continue after your heart problem, or Real Madrid, who explained that you did without him out of medical precaution?

R.

I will only say that the two have to agree because Pablo has helped the team a lot and the team has helped Pablo to grow.

Round of 16 schedules

Saturday:

Turkey-France at 12.00

Slovenia-Belgium at 2:45 p.m.

Germany-Montenegro at 18.00

Spain-Lithuania at 8:45 p.m.

Sunday:

Ukraine-Poland at 12.00

Finland-Croatia at 2:45 p.m. (from there the rival in the quarterfinals of the winner of Spain-Lithuania will start)

Serbia-Italy at 18.00

Greece-Czech Republic at 8:45 p.m.

Results and classification of the Eurobasket.

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