Analysis of the rival
“They are showing constant progress, something typical in reserve teams, with continuous improvement throughout the season. As the matchdays go by, they compete better and better, and we know it will be a challenging game, especially given the stage they are at.
They are a team that stands out a lot in high pressing; alongside Córdoba, they are among the teams that score the most goals after regaining the ball in the final third. Additionally, their youth gives them great energy, and the stats reflect it: they are the team that runs the most in the entire competition.
We face a very demanding match, in which one of the biggest challenges will be getting past their first line of pressure. If we manage to do that, our chances will increase. That will be one of the key aspects of the game, and we hope to be up to the task.”
Incorporation of players to the squad
“It’s one of those weeks you like, because as the days go by we’re getting players back. Moreover, those who joined last week continue to improve, completing full training sessions at a very good intensity. Hopefully this dynamic continues across all positions until the end, because it’s a very long and demanding competition, and we know it can’t rely on just 10, 12, or 14 players. This week we were already able to train with 24 players, and maintaining that level will be very important to face everything ahead with confidence.”
#MirandésMálaga as a precedent for improvement
“It’s a very good precedent and should serve us well. It’s very recent, and it helps us identify many situations we could have handled better. They are a team that, defensively, shows great generosity and energy, something also linked to their youth, which allows them to compete very well.
Against Mirandés, there were moments when we had the ball, but it moved where they wanted it to. That is an area where we need to take a step forward. When the opponent tries to influence our ball circulation, we have to be able to move the ball where we want. We’ve analysed and corrected those situations, because we struggled to find the central channels and maintain continuity in our play through the middle, with too much circulation on the outside and at the back.
These are actions that involve risk, but they are necessary within our model. Often, taking the initiative doesn’t depend only on having the ball, but on where we are able to move it. That day we had it, but not where we wanted, and that is an area we need to improve to be more effective in our play.”
Spain U-21 call-up
“It’s great news, although it also creates some organisational uncertainty. For us, it’s a source of pride that so many players are on the national team preliminary list, because it speaks very well of them and the work they are doing. Reaching an international call-up is not easy, and having our players represent their country is something that brings us great joy.
The only drawback is how this situation is managed. While in the First Division the competition pauses during these dates, in the Second Division it continues, which can pose a challenge for clubs that provide players to their national teams. Such positive news shouldn’t become a competitive problem.
We should all feel proud that our players represent their country and be able to experience those moments normally. That’s why we believe the competition should be organised in a way that clubs aren’t disadvantaged. In many countries, the calendar is adjusted or matches are postponed in these situations, and hopefully progress can be made here as well, so that something that is a source of pride is so in every aspect.”