Match analysis
“In the first 10 minutes, they created situations with their high pressing, but we knew we had to exploit the spaces, and that’s where the first goal came from. Then the game changed with the red card. The team created chances, entered the opponent's half, with players who beat defenders and created opportunities. We’ve also played matches with 10 players, and the game wasn’t over until the third goal. I’m happy with the players' work and I want to congratulate the fans for their support, they were amazing. It’s been a difficult year to forget, and we need to finish the season strong, focusing on what’s ahead and already thinking about Sporting. Tomorrow we train and keep our feet on the ground.”
Effective in achieving victory
“Everything is defined by the goal, which is the paradise. The team has generated chances, just like in previous matches. We’re trying to change some mechanisms, and when you eliminate defenders, you become a bit more vertical. That’s a good scenario to score. Roko tried in every possible way, and the fans encouraged him. That’s the best example of how you have to earn the fans' support. Everyone understands the message, and they deserved to win in that way.”
A match to close the first half of the season
“There's one game left before we pass all the tests, and we are the team with the fewest losses. We've drawn a lot, but we've always aimed for the win. Ambition is always there, knowing who we are. We showed that against Almería, the best team in the league by far. With that spirit, the attitude of the players is non-negotiable. From 1st January to the match in Gijón. Until the 3-0, anything could have happened, and they had their chances. We've managed the statistics very well, and that's the way forward, knowing we still have a lot to improve.”
Three points in Gijón
“We have 27 points. Now, we’re going to aim for 30 in Gijón. We’ll need more for the objective. It’s an important week, we’re playing for nine points, we’ve earned four, and we have a challenge in Gijón. We need to demonstrate what we are, a competitive team with identity. I have a lot of confidence that the forwards will pick up on those small details. What matters is how you execute, like Roko's action. The way it’s done gives me optimism to keep moving forward with it.”
Three disallowed goals
“Until the third goal was scored... Yesterday, you saw what happened. We’re not exempt, whether in our favour or not, from situations involving small details. It was a tense match, and we competed well with 10 players, as did the rival today. Hopefully, we keep going, and with one more player than the opponent, as the great Ben Barek says.”
Demand and collective spirit
“David must keep working because I believe he has no limits. He’s young, and if he continues improving, in two or three years he’ll have much better goal-scoring and assist records. He knows that my expectations of him are high. The collective spirit to engage players, for me, is the key to a very tough second half of the season, even if the line-ups are unpopular. We need to make the most of the draws we’ve had in the second half. I don’t like to individualise, football is for the players, and I’m happy for everyone.”