Tough result
“LaLiga is being very hard on us. I think we played a very good first half, even though we were losing. What was surprising was the beginning of the second half, and in eight minutes we were at a great disadvantage, not just in gameplay but also on the scoreboard. At this level, when you concede, particularly against a team such as Valencia, you have what happened to us tonight. There’s no possible justification or excuse, we must accept it. However, the result is undoubtedly very tough for us to take”.
Competitive first round
“The first half was not only competitive, but was very good on our part. In just 10 minutes we conceded three goals, and nothing had happened. From then on, I think from the second to third goal is when the match was over for us as we started to make mistakes. It’s normal for players who have suffered so much punishment to feel demoralised, and then try to find individual solutions, which sometimes leads to situations we’ve experienced here today. It’s a very harsh defeat. My players, beyond being footballers, are human beings, and are suffering with this situation. We haven’t earned one point as yet, and on top of it, we’ve suffered this severe punishment today. Not just the defeat, but what happened in the first 45 minutes, which isn’t the first time”.
Morale intact
“My morale is intact. If I feel sorry for anyone it’s the fans and my players. Every time they go wrong they suffer a contrariety and work hard to turn the situation around. I’m sure they will turn it around, but up to now, we haven’t been able find a way out. Sooner or later the lads will, as they’re training well, and my job is to encourage and instruct them so that everything improves”.
Changes in the 11
“The other day we played a certain way with certain players, today we made four changes and the team continued playing in the same way. The players showed that a team who is not doing so well, with no points, is not capable of playing how we did in the first half against Valencia. We know that’s not enough. We can change players, but they keep repeating the same circumstances, which indicates we won’t stop searching, as it’s our obligation. On Saturday, the players who we think fit and the ones we understand best for the game will be in action. As we’ve seen, the team’s overall morale with these results is poor, but there’s no other way but to keep looking for solutions”.
