Pellicer: “The last play shouldn't overshadow the team's work”
The Malaguista coach spoke after the 1-1 draw against UD Almería at La Rosaleda. “It’s a great achievement considering the opponent we were up against. You leave feeling sad, but there’s no choice but to keep working,” he stated.
Equaliser in the final moments
“The last play shouldn't overshadow the team's work. We've lost a point, in the last minute, we secured promotion, and today we've lost two points. We didn’t start well, but with our first chance, we scored. In the second half, we had everything under control, they only threatened with shots from outside the box, and we had opportunities in transition for a second goal. You leave with bad feelings because of that final goal, but credit to the boys. It’s a great achievement considering the opponent we were up against. You leave feeling sad, but there’s no choice but to keep working.”
Defending with soul
“We defend with soul, and when we do, it shows. That’s the path to follow. What’s challenging for us is securing wins, which is why the feeling after that last play hurts. The boys deserved it.”
The positive side of the match
“I see the positive side. Dioni scored, and Lobete and Larrubia had their chances... We know we have to keep improving, finding solutions and mechanisms. If we stay aware of who we are and keep working on individual improvement, then the six-match streak without conceding goals wasn’t normal either. Their goal came from a set piece, not an individual mistake. I want to focus on the positives, and we’ll keep improving in that aspect (scoring).”
Recent league run
“We need to analyse the last five matches. Zaragoza, Racing... those games showed the path we’re on. And today, against the best team in the category... People leave feeling sad because of what happened at the end, but they should also leave feeling proud. We need to be aware of who we really are. If we work like this, we’ll be close to winning. We’ll give that little bit extra. At home, in front of our fans, we’re a very tough team to face, they’re an extra boost, and I want to thank the supporters. The locker room is really down, but the work put in throughout the match shouldn’t be overshadowed. This is football. We need to recover emotionally and keep working humbly.”
Burgos CF
“We have another very tough match ahead, against a team built to be at the top but currently in an uncomfortable position. Aside from this last stretch, the team has shown more positive feelings than points, but this is about winning. These three matches, the last of the first round of the season, will shape how we approach the second round.”
