Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa
“We would love to have the points away from home that they have. At this stage of the season, the need for points is felt even more, and it makes every team more dangerous. They’ve been in concentration in Marbella for a whole week, they’re taking it seriously, and they’re going to be hard to beat. It’s going to be a great match, and we want the fans to enjoy the game.”
Importance of points
“We know how this league is, position is very relative. In such a closely contested league, points are far more important than standings. It stays relative until the last matchday. You shouldn’t focus on the position, but on the points and how teams approach their away games. Maybe ‘Cultu’ aren’t in their best form right now, but if they start winning matches… we were also very low at one point. There isn’t a big difference between the teams we are competing against.”
Weaknesses in Miranda
“That’s the thorn in our side, not being able to maintain our effectiveness and not doing the things that set us apart. It’s not about having possession, but about moving the ball to areas where we can do damage. They forced us to play in areas where we couldn’t hurt them. We’re left with the regret of not imposing our game. We weren’t able to bring the ball through the centre to create advantages elsewhere. We settled for comfortable, low-risk passes, but what was missing were the passes that really hurt. Other days we’ve been capable of it, we can’t be afraid to take risks. We can’t stick to the comfortable option, we have to try to create danger and place the ball in those spaces. The other day, we weren’t able to operate in those situations. When we have the ball, we have to be generous. The other day we missed the breakthrough runs that create space for third players. We’ve identified this well, and we have to maintain it. The key is to keep trying these things when we have the freedom, that’s what’s important.”
Team morale
“I’ve seen it very positively. Just as we don’t want them talking about the San Sebastián game, we also shouldn’t dwell on the other day. Now it’s all about the next match. Since Thursday, we’ve been fully focused on ‘Cultu.’ They have quality players, and we’re concentrating on them. The team is focused on putting in a great performance on Sunday.”
Tactical analysis of the rival
“If we talk football, they’re more similar to Burgos in terms of how the game will unfold. They haven’t set up those three-man structures that turn into five at the back. They create two or three channels and pose difficulties on the flanks. They can take the ball from you and put you under pressure. I’ve liked many of Cultural’s matches, they’ve been able to get past strong opponents. They play football quite well. The right-sided centre-back who plays on the left has been delivering solid performances. Whether you start winning or losing really shapes the game.”
Rival’s strengths
“They make the most of the quality they have in the centre. Their full-backs are talented, if you let them play, they can cause a lot of damage. When they control the inside channels, they expose you, because they can hurt you on the flanks. We have to keep a tight grip on them, because if you let them play freely, you can run into trouble.”
Fearless team
“Ten weeks ago, our responsibility was fighting to avoid relegation with a very young squad, now it’s about playing for the playoffs. We can’t be fearful, and they aren’t either. If they were, we’d be 18 or 20 points behind. They haven’t shown fear before, even with the riskof relegation. If they haven’t shown it then, they certainly won’t now. The last thing they have is fear. Their youth gives them enthusiasm, ambition, and drive. For now, that’s enough for us to compete against ‘Cultu.’ Monday will take care of itself. For Sunday, the fans who come to the stadium will see a daring team full of energy. That’s what they’ll find.”
