Hard-fought draw at ABANCA-RIAZOR
“Well, at Riazor, against such a great team, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I loved the way the team played, they showed character, fought until the end, and overcame adversity. You have to assess things considering the level of challenge you’re up against. And it’s not just the Deportivo players, Riazor itself demands a lot from you. I leave happy and proud because, despite the difficulties we faced, I believe the team gave everything, and that leaves me very satisfied. I think we’re seeing it in every match, beyond the results, the way the team competes and the work they’re doing is truly commendable.”
Tough rival and challenging ground
“Yes, that’s what I take away, Málaga knows how to fight from start to finish. We started the match very well, within 15 or 20 minutes we had already taken four corners. We showed great character despite the pressure of the setting. Ask them, we beat them 3-0 there. I think we gained more than just a point because we also take the head-to-head advantage.”
“The match lived up to expectations. They played very well, and we were able to stay in it throughout. There were difficult moments, especially when they scored, but we kept believing, pushed for them, and ultimately earned a point. We’re very happy with the team’s work, the way they endured, the way they competed. They are performing at an extraordinary level, and, as I said, their effort deserves high praise, it was spectacular.”
Competitive away from home
“The competition demands a lot. Coming here today and being able to compete head-to-head with Deportivo away from home… people said we didn’t compete on the road. I believe we did compete, and we should be proud of that. The thing is, in the end, we tend to focus on the best-case scenarios, and when they’re not met, everything seems insufficient. We need a broader perspective, the team has more than earned support until the very end.”
“Every match has its challenges. We always talk about the difficulty of earning points away from home, of playing two away games in a row. I focus beyond winning or losing. I value the team’s courage, their character, they are capable of fighting until the end and sticking together as one.”
Recognition for the fans
“It really comforts us, from the heart. There have been people during this Easter week, which is so important for us, who travelled to Andorra, returned to Málaga, and then came to A Coruña to support the team. Being able to experience these matches with fans who make such an effort is incredible. All those people backing us are a source of pride. In the end, you go out with the hope of giving them the three points. Even though we only got one, I do believe they leave knowing we gave everything we had.”
Focused on the present
“More than the points, I value today’s performance. Right now, we’re talking about the kids’ game in A Coruña, how they gave their all running on the pitch. The youngsters deserve playing time for what they showed today. The past is behind us, and now we’re focused on Las Palmas.”
