Between Local Passion and the Pressure to Save Valladolid

Iván “Chuki” San José: between local passion and the pressure to save Valladolid

The blanquivioleta attacker reflects on his career, the responsibility of playing in his city and the uncertain future

Iván San José, known as “Chuki”, shared this Thursday his vision of his time at Real Valladolid, the club in his hometown. With honesty, he recognizes that wearing the white and purple shirt is “nice”, although in these two years he has experienced “a lot of suffering” due to the pressure and responsibility that comes with being a local.

The player emphasizes that being from Valladolid is not the same as arriving from outside. “It implies an extra effort to improve as a footballer and bring out the best in oneself. There is too much speculation about whether I will continue in the club, and the important thing is to leave the player calm so that he can perform on the field, because that benefits everyone,” explained Chuki.

Regarding his future, which seems far from the Pucelana capital, the attacker emphasizes that he remains focused on the present. “I feel the support of the club, although not everything that is said is reality. I am focused on finishing the season in the best possible way,” he stated.

Chuki's happiness in Valladolid is not absolute. He recognizes that the team is fighting to avoid relegation to the Primera RFEF, a goal that “cannot make anyone happy,” especially after a difficult previous season, especially for the youth players, like himself.

“You are with your people and in your club, and I don't think I would be as happy in another team, because it is where I grew up. But being the club in my city, it is also where I feel the most pressure. Thank goodness I handle it well and I am focused on what I want,” the attacker emphasized.

Chuki admits that on a collective level, the season has not been good. “We have lacked continuity and regularity, and that has weighed us down. On a personal level you can always give more, but no matter how well you do individually, if the team does not work, you cannot be completely satisfied,” he said.

The player acknowledged that he began the course with great prominence under Almada, but then his role decreased, which was difficult to assume. “With Tevenet I regained continuity, reinforced with Fran Escribá, who makes me feel important on the field,” he highlighted.

So far, Chuki has scored seven goals. Each start of the season he sets ambitious goals, which he hopes to achieve, either as a midfielder or winger, depending on the coach's decisions.

Regarding the recent defeat against Cultural de León, he recalled: “We started well, with possession and they were locked in. But the goal affected us, the game became ugly and we were not able to generate clear chances. It was a hard blow,” he said.

Looking ahead to the next match against Eibar, Chuki maintains high motivation. “Every game is a final. You have to score as many points as possible and finish the season as best as possible, to face the next one with enthusiasm and ambition,” he concluded.

Table of individual and collective performance of Iván San José (2025-2026)

Real Valladolid's main challenges this season

• Avoid relegation to Primera RFEF.
• Recover regularity in team performance.
• Motivate youth players to perform under pressure.
• Strengthen the chemistry between starters and substitutes.
• Guarantee that local players maintain their performance despite media pressure.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is Chuki's current situation in Valladolid?

Chuki is still on the team, focused on finishing the season in the best possible way, despite the rumors about his future.

Why do you feel so much pressure when playing in Valladolid?

Because it is his hometown club, where he grew up and trained, which creates additional expectations and responsibility.

Has it been a good season for Real Valladolid?

No, on a collective level the season has been irregular and lacking continuity, although some players stand out individually.

What role does Chuki have on the team currently?

He has regained prominence with coach Fran Escribá, feeling important on the field after a start to the season with fewer minutes.

How many goals has Chuki scored this season?

So far he has scored seven goals, fulfilling part of his individual objectives.

What recent game has affected the team's morale?

The defeat against Cultural de León was especially tough, since the team was unable to reverse the result despite starting well.

What is the goal for the next games?

Add as many points as possible and finish the season in the best way to face the next season with ambition.

Does Chuki feel happy in Valladolid?

Yes, he feels happy, although he recognizes that the team's situation and local pressure affect his satisfaction.

How important are the youth players in the team?

The homegrown players face special pressure, and Chuki is aware that the club's context demands a lot from them.

Where can you follow the news of Valladolid and Chuki?

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