Copa del Rey

“We’re focused on getting through to the next round.  We’re competing against a team from a lower category and have the obligation, as the favourites that we are, to play well to qualify to the next stage.  We will advance, if possible, and when we study the match calendars and draws, we’ll make another type of assessment, but that’s a long way away”.

Changes to the line-up

“We had to make some obligatory changes.  There wasn’t really any need to make a list, practically all the available players are included in the line-ups.  We’ve got a lot of casualties, but there’s no use in me getting too preoccupied with it.  If someone is unable to play, then we must complete the squad with players from the reserve team”.

Injuries

“In the case of Sandro, we have the same concern as with the rest of the injured players: Weligton, Charles, Kuzmanovic, Keko, Recio and Kameni.  What we want as coaches is to have all players at our disposal, but if that’s not possible we must make up the list with players from the second team”.

Cup and Sunday’s LaLiga match

“They are completely different competitions, and one shouldn’t affect the other.  It’s true that all too often, teams in the lower categories surprise First Division rivals.  In this competition, you have the possibility of rectifying any mistakes in the second leg, that’s not going to change.  Teams in these inferior divisions have maximum motivation, somewhat more relaxed than higher division teams, so it appears that without working hard or making an effort they win games.  Today in football, teams that don’t work don’t win”.

Chapecoense plane crash

“There’s little to say about this tragedy.  Football teams travel every fortnight, and we’re often on planes.  It’s catastrophic, whether a football team is on board or a regular flight.  At this time, we must show our support to the families and express our condolences.  It’s an incredibly difficult situation on a global scale, and for professional footballers in particular”.