The toughest match
“They are the only team that has beaten the top three at home, which is a disconcerting situation, they should have more points. It will be a match context in which the rival has a need. It’s very hard to play to avoid relegation, it gives very high levels of attention and anxiety. It is the most complicated game we have left. So many changes of coach haven’t helped. Yet they managed to beat Castellón, Córdoba and Ibiza. This is the most dangerous match because of its necessity and because we’ve just come from a draw at home. We have to be attentive and play at our best level.”
Importance of a win
“This is about winning. I have realised that in analysis only winning will do. We have to win, performing better than the rival and playing better, so we will have a higher chance of winning. You can have the ball for 80 minutes and lose the game in a transition, that's the beauty of football. We have to improve ourselves, but we have to win. This way the analysis will be better in all aspects.”
Maintain the idea and improve in front of goal
“We can change the structure, not the idea of the game. We have to bring players closer to the area, not lose the players that give us a lot in associative play and sink the rival. We can change the structure without changing the essence. We are the ones who score the fewest goals against those above. We need to score and continue making an impact, recognising why we have gone behind on the scoreboard. The last three games we’ve lost have been due to set pieces. We also need to bring certain players closer to the finishing zones.”
The importance of preparation
“We are one of the teams that finishes the most from set pieces. I don't believe in luck, you have to create it and look for it. The more you try, the more it appears. We generate many situations. Against Murcia the game opened with two goals from set pieces, the day we scored the most goals.”
A crucial match
“Only a win will do for both of us. They are going to play a long game, you see their squad and their situations for a reason. We know the level that all the teams have. They have a squad to be able to be higher up the table, but this is football. They win the most defensive duels and are the ones who score the most goals against those below. At their stadium they have good stats, the start of the second half is going to be important, taking into account mental and physical exhaustion and where spaces may appear for one team or another.”
With strength and confidence
“It's a nice job, I feel strong and supported by the players and the Club. I understand the fans, you have to give your best, knowing that you have to improve and be humble and self-critical.”
