Jaime Mata has been one of the great LaLiga stories in 2019, firing Getafe into Europe this season. Here we sit down with the prolific striker about his success, life with Getafe and the LaLiga forwards he admires.

Question: How do you feel at this stage of your career? Are you in the form of your life?

Answer: In truth, I'm very happy. I'm thoroughly enjoying this stage of my life at Getafe in the top flight and the day to day here.

Q: Have you set yourself a goal target for the season?

A: No, I've never done that. I don't have a concrete target. I just try to get as many as I can and ensure the goals help the team pick up points, which is the most important thing.

Q: Getafe's forwards continue to step up to the plate, whereas other sides' strikers seem to be struggling to get firing. The attacking players always seem to perform here.

A: Luckily, we've been sharing the load in that area. Whoever plays always seems to be on target in front of goal and I think that's great for the team; it's a real positive.

Q: Where do you think the team can improve in order to keep pushing up the table?

A: I believe we're only just starting out. It's true that it's always tough at the start and we're also off the back of an exceptional season last year. I think we have to adapt to the new campaign and the new competitions that we're competing in. I feel we're on the right path in terms of our game in order to get good results and keep improving as a team.

Q: Leandro Cabrera was saying you've built a great squad, but what do you make of the current Getafe crop of players?

A: Yes, I fully agree. I think we've done a good job in terms of building a deep and competitive squad, which is key given the three competitions that we're in this year. At the moment, having just played a few games in Europe and in the league, with the Copa del Rey yet to start, I think the team has shown we can be competitive no matters who plays and we always stand up and be counted.

Q: Those players include Marc Cucurella, Jason, Allan Nyom and Kenedy. Tell us about them.

A: I think it's just like it was for me at Getafe last year and now I'm on the other side of it. It's important that the established players in pre-season make the new arrivals feel as comfortable as possible and that they settle in quickly because moving to a new club is a difficult process. I think we've all made a big effort to ensure they've seen from the first moment that this is a family, we're all pulling in the same direction and there's a fantastic atmosphere in the dressing room. It really is exceptional. I think we need to transfer that on to the pitch as soon as possible so that they feel comfortable and at home. Hopefully they settle in as I did and I think we're trying everything to make them feel settled.

Q: I want you to tell me about the competition in attack, with you, Jorge Molina, Angel, Enric Gallego… Tell us about the competition between the four of you.

A: We know that as part of building a competitive squad, the club has four players who can all get the call. It means you have to give your all in every match because you know that if your level drops, you'll be out and replaced by someone who can do a better job than you. You have to be fully focused the whole time and dedicated to whatever you're asked to do because the competition is so high. We all get on very well. We have a very good relationship and are all aware that the whole team benefits from that, which is what we're focused on.

Q: Angel says there's no A or B team because you all contribute.

A: Yes, certainly. I don't think there's an A or B team because I believe every game is equally important. It's simply a case of playing in one game or another. In the end, you have to be ready, because we all want to play in LaLiga, but we all want to play in Europe and we all want to play in the Copa del Rey as well. Players always want to play and it doesn't matter which game it is. That's why we always have to be ready and show that whichever lineup the boss chooses can be competitive.

Q: You're the youngest of the strikers, with all the others over the age of 30. I find it fascinating how well the team has responded considering you've all hit your thirties, with you being the youngest…

A: That shows that footballers are different nowadays in terms of our daily routine and methods. A footballer's career used to be a bit shorter, but this year we're seeing how you don't suddenly become a veteran player when you enter your thirties. It used to mean your career was on the decline, but now you can keep progressing and improving. I think we're looking after ourselves much better because we're much more aware of the importance of rest and training, which I think means we can be just as competitive in our thirties.

Q: They can try telling Molina otherwise, can't they?

A: Exactly. He's almost forty and he's in the shape of his life. When you see him day in, day out, you can see what a fantastic professional he is and how dedicated he is. It's wonderful for those coming up behind him to see that if you want to get there, you have to make sacrifices. You have to battle and fight. He's an inspiration to us.

Q: What does the coach mean to you?

A: I think he's incredibly important. As players, we're a reflection of what the coach wants us to do and that's why we try to show. Players want to play and to do so, you have to do what the coach wants. We're also aware of the fact that what he asks us to do brings results and earns us wins, which is what we all want.

Q: How would you define Getafe's of play?

A: I think we're a side that goes out there to win every match against any team. We also try to play our game without letting anything hold us back. We go for the win both at home and away, which I think is typical of our team. We're always on the front foot and going for it in games.

Q: What do you think is the secret behind the team's success?

A: I think that our togetherness and strength is that we are all going after a common target. I think we all know very well what our path is, which involves following the coach's guidance, given that we know that's how we can pick up wins and points. I believe we're all very aware of the path that we have to follow.

Q: You secured 36 points at home last season. El Coliseum has always been a difficult place to go for visiting sides. Barça are the only visiting team to win there so far. What is it about El Coliseum? What does the stadium give you?

A: I think we are very clear in our heads about the fact that we're a modest club and our aim is to stay up, which we believe hinges on our home form. It's where you have to be strong and try to register points. It's very tough to do so on the road because everyone wants to win, especially at home. We all know that we have to pick up as many points at home as possible in order to achieve our goal of survival.

Q: On a personal level, which goals have you set for yourself?

A: My personal target is to play as much as I can and, above all, to help the team. At the end of the day, I want the team to win games, for us to stay in the top flight and keep enjoying this adventure for a long time. We need wins in order to do that. My goal on a daily basis is to come here and try to give my all, both in training and in games, so that we pick up victories.

Q: There's been plenty of talk this year about if the Europa League is a reward and also a punishment, as it can be a burden, particularly given that LaLiga is the priority. What target have you set yourselves as a team?

A: I believe our main target is survival. Staying in the division is the basis for any team in the top flight. That's what means you can keep dreaming about other targets, such as competing in Europe or going far in the Copa del Rey, but I think we all know that LaLiga is our bread and butter. It's what allows you to enjoy your other objectives, such as the European adventure that we're on this year. We're treating it like a reward and are approaching every game full of desire to see how far we are capable of going.

Q: After a great campaign last year, the club qualified for Europe. Do you feel the pressure of needing to get back into Europe for next season?

A: No, I don't think there's any pressure. I think the fans and players know that each season is completely different and you can't take your foot off the gas for even a second. Things that went well last year might change over time... The other teams improve as well by strengthening their squads and they also know you better. You always have to give that something extra to remain competitive at a high level. I think we all know we don't need to set any targets beyond what we've achieved. What's done is done and we're very proud, but we're keeping our feet on the ground. The new season brings new targets and efforts, which is what we must focus on.

Q: Which teams do you think are going to be the strongest in the battle for Europe?

A: No idea… I think the table will show that over time. We're in such a balanced league that you can't really make predictions about this team or that one. That goes for the top and the bottom. I think it'll be very close and games will be decided by fine margins.

Q: Is there a player who you pay special attention to? Do any of your opponents motivate you? It could also be a current or former teammate.

A: As for my teammates, I'm a striker and I'm always looking. I'm lucky enough to have three fine teammates up front in Molina, Angel and Enric, who are all good examples that I always watch in order to improve. Just like every other forward in the league, I think I'm trying to get better and that means watching opposition strikers to see what I can take from them.

Q: Anyone in particular?

A: No, but you notice things from everyone. You do focus more on players at the big sides: Karim Benzema, Luis Suarez, Alvaro Morata, Diego Costa, Rodrigo… It's true that I get to take a bit from everyone else.

Q: Jaime, do you have any more dreams?

A: Of course. You always have to be ambitious and I hope many more of my dreams come true.