Work and fans

“The match was as we expected, tough and pretty equal. The first thing we must do is thank the fans for their support. At such times when the match is even, and the score is tight, the extra boost they gave us tonight and with the team always giving their all is a great sign. It’s satisfying for the players for all their hard work and faith. The weekends are hard-going, difficult, but we must affront them with enthusiasm, humility and honesty, giving everything that we have on the pitch. It’s also much easier if luck is on your side, especially with these incredible fans who were behind us for 90 minutes”.

A team

“We always try to win the three points. The team is responding in all aspects, both on and off the pitch. That’s paramount. Then you see a team spurred on and supported by the fans which helps a great deal. This was one of our first objectives; focus on the fact that we’re better together, which I mentioned in a press conference. We are the first ones who must set an example as a team, and that’s what we’re doing. Every weekend we need to give our all out there. The team is supreme, the team wins, individuality can give you a game, but it doesn’t fulfil your goals”.

Bench

“When a player steps on to the pitch, they need to know that whether they’re playing for 10, 20, 30, 40…90 minutes, they must give everything they’ve got so the team feels their presence out there. When there are changes, it’s fundamental that the level is maintained or increased without any problem. Speaking very highly of others, being ready to compete and when the time comes you do your job. In the end everything is about the team. Regardless of the time you play, you must show you’re a team. When it’s your time you participate on the pitch, and when you’re off the pitch you support from the side lines, and if you’re on the stands then you support from there. Seeing the dressing room at this time is a joy; I see a united team, a team that works hard, with humility who knows how tough the situation is, and who when a match ends they have nothing more to give, they’ve given it all”.

Clean sheet

“It’s important to maintain regularity in this aspect. Those who go up tend to be the teams who have conceded the fewest goals. In the end you can move up with a Zamora cup, not always with a ‘pichichi’ title. Keeping a clean sheet shows we performed well in defence, a defence the rival was unable to overcome, and we claimed points. It’s crucial to maintain this regularity”.