Jose Antonio Reyes produced a typical quicksilver burst through the Ajax defence last Wednesday that ended in Ajax goalkeeper Hans Vonk hauling the young Spaniard down for a penalty.

Robert Pires’ successful spot-kick ultimately proved crucial following Markus Rosenberg’s immediate response for the Dutch.

Playing alongside Freddie Ljungberg up-front, Jose had worried the youthful Ajax defence all evening with his surges forward allying lightning pace with adhesive control; a combination to trouble any defence. His form was the continuation of what has been an eye-catching season so far for the 22 year-old who has started the last six games, scoring once, at Middlesbrough.

The matchday programme caught up with Jose on Thursday to reflect on his season so far.

What did you think of our performance on Tuesday against Ajax Jose?

Overall I think we played really well and it was a great boost to our morale to win at a place like Ajax, I don’t think we were ever in too much trouble throughout the match. It was very important to get such an early goal, after just two minutes. To be honest it was a great finish from Freddie, a superb touch.

Were you concerned when they put us under more pressure in the second-half?

Well it was a home game for them and on their pitch we thought they would pressurise us more to be honest. When they pushed forward we just had to defend well which we did and make sure we could react on the break.

The penalty you won came from a quick break, your thoughts on that incident?

It was a penalty! When the ball came through to me I stopped, because I thought I might have been offside but then I saw the linesman running and I knew I was okay. I touched the ball past the ‘keeper and he caught me.

Some people have questioned the decision…

No, it was a penalty. I can’t kick the ball with one foot and move the other out of the way at the same time, it is impossible physically. I was fouled.

It looked like a real strength sapping night in Amsterdam.

Yes, it was a tiring game and the pitch made the lads even more tired. It wasn’t a great pitch to be honest, it was weird; hard at the bottom and soft on top. But at the end of the day, it didn’t matter about the pitch, the atmosphere, or how we were at the end of the game, it was the win that mattered.

And overall Jose, are you happy with how you’re playing at the moment?

This season I’m very happy, I’m playing in every game and I’ve got the confidence of the manager behind me. I’ve been given that chance and I don’t want to miss out, I’ll do the best I can. It’s true that with Thierry out I get more opportunities to play up front and I like that position. But even if I am moved back to the wing when Thierry returns I don’t mind, as long as I’m playing.

We’ve noticed you have nearly charged down a few goalkeeper clearances recently, chasing down defenders and ‘keepers is almost a trademark of yours now…

That’s why I keep doing it because one day I’m sure I’ll catch the ‘keeper before he gets rid of the ball! I don’t know whether it’s a trademark or not, but when I see a ball I think I might be able to reach, I just go for it.

I guess you’ll be hoping to add to your goals tally soon?

Relax, the goals will come!

There’s much talk of the different styles teams play in England at the moment, are you happy with the passing game the Boss likes us to play?

Of course I love to play in this team. It’s a pleasure to play with team-mates who have the technical ability to pass the ball like we can and whoever criticises that approach doesn’t know too much about football in my opinion.

What do you think of the more defensive style which has been successful for some teams recently? The Liverpool v Chelsea Champions League match was a very defensive game for example.

Everyone has their own style of playing and these teams have theirs. To be honest though I prefer the pass and touch we employ. I think playing the ball on the ground is proper football rather than hitting the ball long and high and everyone running after it.

Turning to international matters, and you must be unhappy to be out of the Spanish squad at the moment?

It’s the same for anyone from any country, they always like to play for their national team but I have to accept whatever decision is made by the manager (Luis Aragones). He has the final word.

Spain are two points behind Serbia & Montenegro in Group 7 of the World Cup qualifiers, it looks like they might need you?!

It’s true that Spain have not been playing at their best but I just hope we get through qualifying — whether I’m at the Finals with them or not.

For the West Ham and Ajax games we noticed a new pair of white boots is there any reason for the colour?

Why white? — because Nike sent me that colour, nice aren’t they?! Actually my new boots are special because on my left boot I have my mother’s name, Mari — that is my most precious foot. And on the right foot I have ‘Reyes’ which is what my father, who is also called Jose, is known as - I am Jose at home. My goal at Middlesbrough was with my right foot so that would be a goal for my Dad.

Finally Jose, a supporter sent us a picture of you at London Zoo, did you enjoy your day there?

I did, two of my cousins came over from Seville, they are only four and eight so we went to the zoo, we really enjoyed ourselves.

Did you know there is an anteater named after Gilberto at London Zoo — what animal would you like named after you?

I did not know that. If I had an animal named after me it would be one of the monkeys, they are my favourites when I go to the zoo and (laughing) they remind me a bit of my friend Xandy! [Jose’s interpreter].

(www.arsenal.com)
awww how sweet os that interview?!?!?! :D :rock: :banana: :yippy: :clap: :worship:

thts a nice interview!!haha he makes me laugh! :lol:

great interview, i marked the questions in bold to make it easier for readers, i enjoyed the part where he talked abt his nike boots, i always like it when players tell us about their boots, sponsors and locker room environment.

thanx, i was gonna do that last night, but i forgot :) yer the boots bit was sweet, as was the bit about going to the zoo :clap:

"I guess you’ll be hoping to add to your goals tally soon?

Relax, the goals will come! "

haha i luv dat bit "relax" soo cuteee :worship:
hehe i luv da interview awww his a sweetheart :lol: :D
thnxx 4 ittt :wink:

For the West Ham and Ajax games we noticed a new pair of white boots is there any reason for the colour?

Why white? — because Nike sent me that colour, nice aren’t they?! Actually my new boots are special because on my left boot I have my mother’s name, Mari — that is my most precious foot. And on the right foot I have ‘Reyes’ which is what my father, who is also called Jose, is known as - I am Jose at home. My goal at Middlesbrough was with my right foot so that would be a goal for my Dad.

Finally Jose, a supporter sent us a picture of you at London Zoo, did you enjoy your day there?

I did, two of my cousins came over from Seville, they are only four and eight so we went to the zoo, we really enjoyed ourselves.

hahaa n dat bit mkes me lafff aww i wish i was his cuzn :lol: n his boots awwww man i luv dis guyy hes soo coool :first: :worship: his boots r nyc aswell but i concentrate more on his face lol

it gd coz hes really fit and hes a lovely person!!god he has it all!! :D

thats soooo sweat :)

BLESS dat is 1 of the best interviews ive read in a long time!! i luv jose!!!

awwwww hes so cute!!!! gr8 interview thx 4 postin it! I liked d boots bit & abt d zoo & this one:

"I guess you’ll be hoping to add to your goals tally soon?

Relax, the goals will come! "

he's such a cutie!! luv him!!:yippy: :first: :rock: :clap: :<>:

why white because hes an angel :worship: :worship: :wub: :wub: :wub: