Pellicer: “It's a key match; we need to keep being ourselves”

Very important match to continue growing

“We are competing very well, but there are certain nuances to improve. We are building our foundation, we are new, and we are competing well, but there are small details that are missing. We need a victory; the key is the complexity and equality of the competition. You win a match, and you are fighting for promotion; you lose, and you find yourself in a difficult situation. We must remain calm and maintain continuity in the areas where we are performing well. The opponent has prepared to secure a win in front of their fans. We need to channel our anger and maintain the same intensity. We need to be a bit more precise in the final third.”

Keys to the game

“I expect a very aggressive team in terms of pressure; they are the team that crosses the most in the league. They have an identity from recent seasons based on intensity, setting up in their half, delivering crosses, and creating second chances. Javi (Ontiveros) is their focal point in attack, along with Chris Ramos, who poses a significant threat in the area. We need to be ourselves, control the game at our pace, play in the opponent's half, and maintain possession to create spaces, gaps, and uncertainty. Paco López will have studied us, so one-on-one duels will be crucial, and we must create numerical advantages in areas where we can hurt them.”

Maximum demand in the league

“This year the category is the toughest in recent years, because of the teams that are relegated, on matchday 10 two teams are among the top six. The points difference is minimal; if we had won the other day, we would be in the playoffs, but if we lose, we could find ourselves near the relegation zone. We need to establish our identity and continue to convey that, as being ourselves will be crucial in this marathon. The other day, we took a step forward, and we need to maintain that momentum. On days when you're not prepared, any team can expose you, just as we can expose them. This is a key match; it’s a derby. We’ll be staying at the same hotel as last year when we went to San Fernando, and this time we’re heading to the Nuevo Mirandilla. What a change.”

Luismi, last-minute absence

“We hope it’s nothing serious; he felt a slight discomfort, and we can’t take any risks. That’s what the squad is for; we are at a crucial point in the season. We have a month ahead with the Copa del Rey, and things can change quickly, going from heaven to hell, so we need to stay grounded. We want everyone available, and we hope it’s just a minor issue, but another teammate will step up.”

A big rival

“We are up against a rival with 80% of their players coming from the top division, which highlights the difficulty and complexity of this league. Teams that have been relegated feel the pressure to be at the top from the very beginning. Paco López has great experience, and at any moment, they will find a way to achieve consistent results. We need to stay alert; we’ve experienced this ourselves. It will push us to the limit, and we have to replicate what we did the other day, being more effective while staying true to ourselves.”

Stormy forecast for Saturday

“In Andalucía, the weather forecasts are just predictions; they aren’t fortune tellers, and they sometimes get it right. The conditions will affect both teams, as heavy rain and wind can influence how we start the game, how we defend, and our aerial play. We have a very clear idea, and we need to manage different structures with and without the ball. We must control our mindset after losing possession. We won’t reveal our strategy; the match will be influenced by various contexts, and we need to determine which type of player will be most helpful.”

Importance and need for rotations

“I am happy with the entire group; this is a process. Some players find it more challenging to get into rhythm, and competition can be uncomfortable, so the mental level is crucial. When a teammate is performing better, you have to raise your game. Rafa Nadal has been an inspiration for everyone; we thank him for being a source of motivation for any athlete in tough situations. Everyone will have their chance; we also have the Copa, and we’ll see the performance, as that’s what ultimately matters.”