Real Valladolid CF
“I expect a Valladolid side that will have nothing to do with the one we faced in the first half of the season. They now have a coach with new ideas, someone who is able to make his players believe in what they are doing. He has been there for a short time (Escribá), but he is unbeaten and has already established a clear identity. Last week, they were the team that ran the most in LaLiga. Our big challenge this week is to maintain our identity against a compact team, very well organised, capable of moving as a unit without leaving gaps between the lines. We know it won’t be easy, and we must be patient so that, in the final third of the match, things go in our favour.”
Club’s plan
“It’s very exciting that players like Dani (Lorenzo) and Ángel (Recio), who arrived when they were very young, can continue and now have consistency in the first team. This responds to a clear plan from the club, which is being well executed. The contract renewals follow that plan, and it is bearing fruit. The most beautiful part of the plan is seeing who it has been built with. We compete well with a wonderful project, with players who have grown up in Málaga, and everything is working out well. It’s great to achieve things, and the way we’re achieving them. The players know that the strength of the plan lies in them. We are delighted.”
Focused
“I would like to focus on Valladolid. We cannot lose sight of the match against Valladolid. I would like to ask that the fans be with us more than ever. It is the most difficult match of the last 10 or 12, and we are expecting a huge game of extreme difficulty. We have a complex task ahead of us tomorrow, and I would like us to focus fully on that. We are going to experience moments of difficulty, and the support of the fans will be very important. Let’s put all our focus there, because the match deserves it.”
Puga, suspended
“Carlos will not be available for the match. ‘Muri’ could be one of the options we have considered. We have evaluated several situations; Jokin is training at an outstanding level and we have full confidence in him. Víctor also gives us an advantage tactically, especially from set pieces. Of course, Rafita, I’ve played the most with him when I was with the reserve team. And, if you push me, Dorrio. We’ll decide tomorrow. The match will possibly require not just one player, but several. And probably the one who starts will not be the one who finishes.”
Complex division
“The Second Division is a very unpredictable league. The difference between winning and losing is very small. It’s a very complex competition. Staying up there will depend on emotional stability, suspensions, injuries… it’s a reality for any team. It’s a very long season. Either you focus on the immediate task, or you lose sight of what really matters. We want to experience this match as the most important of the year, and have the fans with us. That way, it’s much easier to win.”
