An important match
“It’s a standout match marked by how the rival is competing, despite the last three matches. We are up against the best team away from home of the two groups, the team with the least goals conceded, with players with a lot of experience and made to be on top. We want to make the fans happy and continue with this dynamic. We have to keep this positive energy and continue growing and improving. We must find the competitive level. It’s a great game to play, seeing the people who come here, which is the best motivation to do their best. The enthusiasm of so many children gives us that responsibility.”
Malaguismo
“It was a training session for us to enjoy being with our fans. Very few teams have this scenario and the enthusiasm of the children. There is a lot of closeness, the team generates positive energy and that is reflected in the results. We are responsible for ensuring that the best is yet to come, we are focusing on the young fan’s excitement. We have a long way to go to give them what they deserve.”
Precaution with Roberto and Avilés
“Roberto's body and mind must be respected. The sensations are good, but we have to respect his physique, it’s nothing important and we hope he will be there next week. This is not the time to force things. Javi has a back problem, he’s in doubt. Yesterday he trained, today we allowed him to rest.”
Two opposing styles
“They are two different models in regard to gameplay. They have a very clear structure, players and coach with a lot of experience. They know what it's like to compete in this category, they are the team who has conceded the fewest goals. It is based on that strength. They have scored the most goals from set pieces with decisive players on the attack. They have the rhythm they want the game to have. We are more dynamic. We are adjusting so that transitions occur in what we work on. They are two different ideas, but with the same objective. Each one will compete with their weapons. We have the benchmark of the match we played there, it was equal and we were very good. If it wasn’t for Haitam’s transition, we would have left empty-handed after playing a good game.”
Keeping concentration is key
“The most difficult thing is managing the weeks both when you win and when you lose. Weekly management and keeping your mind focused on the next game is the most important thing. There are players who have taken the step forward, but I remember the invisible player who helps in training and generates a level of competitiveness. We come from two consecutive victories, but we have to win on Sunday and the next, and the next. I see the lads are playing well, the most important thing is that we grow as a team and individually, because the most decisive stretch of the season is coming.”
A great match
“They are a direct rival with some great stats and we have that opportunity. They are playoff games, we want to fight for the maximum without focusing on the objective. There’s a long way to go, things are also happening in the other group. We have to focus on ourselves. In terms of goal average, it is worth four points. There’s no need to increase the pressure or tension, because we have it all year round. There’s going to be an amazing crowd there and that is the best vitamin to give the best of ourselves against a direct rival.”
Malagamanía
“It's incredible, people have a lot of enthusiasm, the excitement of the children. Going to Alcoy and seeing all those people, and again today... it surprises us more every day. This is a different club in every way, we have to be humble and convey positive things, the important thing is to win. Victories are exciting, this year everyone is rowing in the same direction, and it generates a lot of responsibility for us.”