Positive dynamic
“The week has been very positive. The way things happen, beyond just the result, affects the players. When you’re riding a wave like the other day, you either head to the beach bar to celebrate or stay in the water and keep working. We’re eager to do it again. The feeling is very rewarding, but it’s worth the same three points as a win in the 93rd minute. It’s three points, and now it’s time to focus on the next match.”
Top level rival
“The Leganés side we’re facing is of First Division quality. There isn’t a single player who hasn’t been called up to the top flight, which clearly shows the team’s individual potential, and we must show them the utmost respect. Back in August, they were strong candidates for automatic promotion, and their current situation isn’t what they expected. Despite some inconsistency, they’ve delivered strong performances. Just the other day, they scored five goals against Ceuta, that’s no easy task. These players, all of First Division level, have the talent and ability to make the difference in any match. They are particularly strong out wide and among the best in the league when it comes to defensive transitions, so we’ll likely find it harder to attack them than in other games. Defensively inside the box, they behave differently, so we’ll need to approach our attacking play in a different way.”
Complete focus on tomorrow’s match
“We’re right to concentrate on preparing for the game against Leganés at home, with our fans behind us, and we need it to go well. After this one, we’ll make decisions for the upcoming matches. There are players unavailable, others one booking away from suspension, and injuries can happen. Right now, all our attention is on this game, which will be a tough one.”
Dotor’s substitution
“There are several options: dropping Chupe deeper, bringing in Juanpe, Rafa or Julen. We’ve tried many things, including pushing Dani Lorenzo further forward and bringing Darko in. One thing is how we set up at the start, and another is adapting depending on how the game unfolds. The good thing is that we have great versatility in the squad. There are many possible combinations, and we’re very pleased that the team gives us so many options. We’ll give the fans coming to La Rosaleda the chance to see something new first-hand.”
Dressing room management
“It’s important that we stay focused on the game. At the end of the day, it’s just another match. Positive results should give you confidence, but without getting carried away. The team is retaining calm and confidence, and they’re handling it well. We need to stay alert and sharp at all times. We’re seeing examples like Córdoba and Castellón, who are now going through difficult moments. The next game won’t wait for you if you’re thinking about the one that went well before, or one that’s still to come. We can’t afford to give anything away. La Rosaleda means playing with more than 11, and that’s something we have to take advantage of.”
Three-match week
“You enjoy the competition more when you give each match the importance it deserves. Preparing games in two or three days isn’t ideal, especially with travel involved and another away match coming up after Andorra. It’s not the perfect scenario, but we have to be strong. The perfect conditions don’t exist. The pitch won’t always be how we want it, and matches won’t always be played at the time or day we prefer. We have to compete in every context, focus on the one in front of us, and do our best, that’s exactly what we’ll aim to do.”
Team bonding
“It’s not the first time they’ve dressed up. I’m grateful to the organisers, because it’s important that we spend time with family. If we want to be a family, we have to show it in every way. It was a moment to enjoy time together, we were all there except Dotor, because of his shoulder, and Aaron, with his national team. On their day off, the players without partners joined us, and it was very special. The fact that on their rest day they want to spend time with their daily teammates is really meaningful. It was a very beautiful gesture from the squad, which clearly shows the unity and strength within the dressing room.”
Importance of the whole squad
“It’s important that players take advantage of opportunities, they need to be well prepared, and they have shown they are. We’ve seen many cases of players who weren’t regular starters but could be. We’ve experienced it with Rafita, Montero, and others like Julen. It can happen with Jokin, Eneko, Recio, or the internal players: Ramón, Darko, and Rafa. We have a large squad in both quantity and quality, and we need to make the most of it to achieve exceptional things. We will have to overcome major challenges at all times, staying strong despite injuries, suspensions, and international call-ups. That’s what separates good teams from those that go on to achieve success.”
