“We’re at the club where we want to be”

The club’s sporting director, Loren Juarros, accompanied both players at their media appearance. “Álex had the bad luck of getting injured at the start of the season, but that didn’t change our medium- or long-term plans. He’s a player we want to have for the future. We’ve prioritised the future over the present,” he said about Pastor. On Puga, he added: “He’s performing well right now and represents both the present and the future. I want to thank him for his willingness and for being able to finalise his renewal. We continue to follow the same principles regardless of results. That’s the club’s way and our identity.”

Álex Pastor

Injury

“When something like this happens to you, you don’t think about much beyond the immediate moment and getting back to full fitness. I’m at the club where I want to be; they made things easy for me and treated me very well. It was a joy when they told me they wanted me to stay, it helps with the recovery.”

Recovery

“With these kinds of operations there are always setbacks and complications. My recovery is going well and on schedule. I’ll be back next season. I watch the team play and that helps. Everything is going well.”

Team

“It’s wonderful to watch the team in action. We’ve always had the potential, or at least I’ve always seen it. Things have been done well for a long time now. We’re reaping the rewards of the work done in Primera RFEF. Last season we saw some very good moments, and now is the best moment of all. It’s an honour to be part of this team.”

Current situation

“Day to day is good. We’re very good professionals and people. It’s true that when things don’t go our way there’s frustration, and at other times we’ve been unlucky. Now, the wins are the result of hard work and showing up every day. That’s what’s required of us.”

Centre-backs

“Very well. We had Nelson leave and then my injury. They’re all top players. Recio has come up from the reserves and, like everyone else, is delivering immediate and very high-level performances. One of the team’s strengths is defending well, with Alfonso at the back. It’s fundamental.”

Carlos Puga

Happy to renew

“I’m very happy. I’ve been here for two years and I know what this club is about. Hopefully there will be many more to come.”

“I’ve had several important days here: Tarragona, the birth of my daughter, and the Burgos match when my renewal was announced. I hope more important days come in the future.”

“I’ve renewed with the aim of one day being in the First Division. It’s a goal, but we’re focused on the present.”

Enjoying the now

“We’re enjoying it a lot. Once the players at the top gained confidence from winning matches, it became clear that we’re good and that we have to believe in ourselves, and, God willing, we’ll be able to enjoy even more in the future.”

Rafita

“I remember the match against Dépor, it was spectacular. He’s very intense. It’s very hard to get past him; he pushes forward a lot… I’m really happy he’s been promoted. I hope the competition next year will be very strong, like the one I have with Jokin.”