A tight match
“The team always competes. It was a tight match, with few chances, both teams struggled to build plays. We wanted a long match, without making mistakes, but it was difficult for us. We weren't fluid. We didn't play a good game, we lacked generation and sharpness in the final third. It was a game that could have ended in a draw, but two sporadic actions decided it. We need to keep supporting the players. It's a painful defeat, but we gave it our all. We need to take steps forward and improve in many areas.”
The merit doesn’t align with the result
“We didn't create superiorities in that first line of pressure. We knew it was going to be a very uncomfortable opponent, but that's football. The match was decided by small details, and their goals came from two situations where we lost the ball, and they took advantage of them. Sometimes, in football, merit doesn't align with the result. I believe we didn't deserve to lose.”
The team competes in every game
“We are very excited, coming from the match in Almería and two victories before that. We have to remember where we come from, not lose sight of reality, and I give a realistic message, no matter who it bothers. The reality is very clear, we played with a team with an average age of 23 years. I believe we are the team that has lost the least. I congratulate the opponent, who wasn't better than us; neither were we, but the reality is to be aware of who we are. We may be better or worse, but we compete in every match.”
No excuses, just work
“We don’t have to look for excuses. My message is not one of victimhood. There are sanctions, injuries, it’s football. I see willpower, it’s true that we haven’t been good, but we’re not looking for excuses. Twelve very important matches are coming, and there’s still a lot to do. We need to give confidence to the players. Today, we weren’t accurate, myself included, but there are no excuses regarding the injuries.”