Luís Castro: "Mourinho is my benchmark"

Levante coach Luís Castro admits that José Mourinho is his biggest footballing inspiration, at a time when the Valencian team is fighting to stay in LaLiga. The Portuguese coach, who arrived at the club with the mission of securing their survival, openly states that the future project presented was more compelling than financially superior offers he had on the table.

Levante has been in strong form in recent weeks, securing eight points from a possible twelve, a run that has reignited fan hope and earned the Portuguese manager a nomination for the Spanish league's coach of the month, alongside Hansi Flick and Diego Simeone. "I like to have the ball, attack, and control the game. It's normal for all coaches to seek their own identity," he stated in an interview with Marca, explaining that the objective is to "create a lot of danger for the opponent."

This recent good form was achieved even without two regular starters, Carlos Álvarez and Pablo Martínez. "It's normal for people to think it's not possible to achieve this without them, but the entire squad is working at a high level," the coach emphasized, adding that "the collective is much better" when everyone is focused. "Carlos and Pablo are very good, but right now, without them, the team is performing very well. Now that both will return, it's even better."

Meritocracy is Luís Castro's guiding principle, as he believes hard work should always be rewarded. "Not just in football, you have to reward everyone's effort. Status, importance, and name are one thing, but once everyone is in the group, you have to work and prove yourself," he argued. For the coach, "no player is an undisputed starter. If you're not performing, no matter how much money you earn, someone else will play."

Despite nearing their survival objective, Castro dismisses the idea that the team faces "a new league" mentally. "I think you have to do the same. With the same dynamic that we've won with now, you will survive," he assured, warning that the task will remain difficult because "all teams are fighting for points" and games will be "very tight."

When asked about his influences, the Portuguese coach didn't hesitate: "For me, as for many coaches of that era, it was José Mourinho. He is a benchmark due to his profile, his ideas, and his career path." He also recalled FC Porto's success, which "won the UEFA Cup and the Champions League," and mentioned other coaches he admires, such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, and Paulo Fonseca.

Luís Castro also revealed that his coaching career began as a hobby, when he was a teacher coaching five and six-year-olds in Moreira de Cónegos, his hometown. The opportunity to become a professional arose later, with an invitation to go to Saudi Arabia.

Regarding his arrival at Levante, he admitted that his initial reaction was to decline, as he already had "another very good offer." However, a second conversation with Pepe Danvila, who presented him with the club's future project, focused on work and youth development, made him change his mind. "I am not a coach who only looks out for himself. I like to do something for the clubs, for the fans, and for the future," he concluded.

The former Nantes manager affirmed his commitment to Levante for a "four or five-year" project and stated he would remain at the club even if the team were relegated to the Segunda División. The Portuguese coach emphasized that his motivation is not financial, revealing that Levante's offer was "not even close to the best option" he had.

"Yes [I would stay if the club were relegated]. I don't need to coach a Champions League team to be happy. I have the opportunity to do something I love every day, and I get paid for it," Castro stated, adding: "It's true that I want to coach in the First Division; hopefully, Levante stays up, but I think if we're in the Second Division and I'm content with myself, I'll stay."

The coach also confessed his admiration for Spanish football, which he has always followed alongside Portuguese football. "I didn't just come for Levante, but also because I like Spain," he explained.

Finally, Luís Castro delivered a clear message to the fans, promising maximum effort from his team. "You can win or lose, but one thing you will always see is a team that gives its life for the club. I will give my utmost for the club, even if we lose or make technical errors. What I ask of the fans is to give their all for us," he concluded.