Exciting match
“We’ve come through a run of demanding matches in quick succession, and now we’re back home preparing for this one. We’ve worked well and enjoyed the week, and we’re approaching it in excellent condition. It’s an exciting match to look forward to and enjoy.”
Las Palmas, a challenge
“It’s a real challenge. We need to find a way to score against a team that has conceded the fewest goals in the division and kept one of the highest numbers of clean sheets. They’re very dominant in possession, make it hard for you to play out, and you spend long spells without the ball, we only had 33% possession there. With the talent they have, including players with top-flight experience, they have the cohesion to control games. Like Andorra or Córdoba, they push you to the limit with structured attacking patterns and force you to defend deep near your own goal.”
“We know the opponent well. It’s the kind of match we’d love to be playing in June, in these circumstances. We have to push until the very end, with the support of our ‘12th man’, against a team aiming for direct promotion.”
Excitement, no pressure
“We don’t want to dwell on the absentees, but rather focus with excitement on the players we do have. It’ll be a 23-man squad and some won’t be able to take part. We approach it with enthusiasm, our squad depth allows us to keep competing. We had certain patterns we’d been developing, and without some of those key individuals, we’ll need to build new partnerships.”
“We have full confidence in everyone available. Dani Lorenzo, for example, didn’t play in Las Palmas, Dotor didn’t start, and Izan was out for several weeks. Players who once seemed irreplaceable have made way for others, which is why I don’t like talking about ‘untouchables’. Many have stepped up when given their chance, delivering more than expected, both on and off the pitch. This squad has earned it. We’re in a great position, and we have to enjoy it.”
Living in the now
“We’ve been focused on the immediate present for many months. We haven’t approached the competition as a whole, but rather on a game-by-game basis. We’re in a very positive moment, and we must enjoy it, something we’ve earned, not just the players, but everyone involved. Everything we’ve built shouldn’t turn into added pressure or take away from that enjoyment.”
“We have to keep bringing joy, playing with the same ideas and conviction, and then let the competition, which is fair, place us where we deserve to be. And we’ll keep pushing forward with all our energy.”
