First half of the match was key
“We didn’t get off to a good start and we had three clear chances, without entering well. We lacked energy and football. It was an unrecognisable first half after their first goal, and we can’t allow that to happen. It was a transitional action by the rival and you can't be afraid. Following their first goal we were unrecognisable in everything, technically-tactically and mentally. This is a reality check, on matchday 13. Being at the limit we compete against anyone, when we drop the standard a little, any rival has their chances. We made a change, we had to take more risks. There’s no need to be scared, today many realised what La Rosaleda is and it’s a learning experience for everyone.”
End of the unbeaten streak
“This is our second defeat in 13 matches. In the last two games at home we weren’t consistent. In the first half, not playing at our best, we had three chances. In the second play we never arrived. Also we have injuries, which is no excuse. With or without them we have to compete and get the three points. It is a reality check that we need to show our best version in each game. We have suffered a blow at home on a mental level, we have to change what we did in the first half.”
Wake-up call
“The demand is high. The opponent made their game plan with the transitions, we didn’t know how to adjust by making them run. It’s not a worrying situation, but one that we have to deal with. It’s important that each player knows that here nobody can relax.”
Details and pressure
“In chess it is checkmate and here it’s the goal. We didn’t start well. At 0-0 that of Jokin and Roberto changes the game. We have to adjust because it is complicated like this. It’s good to have a reality check and return to the amateur spirit and the passion. In terms of effort you cannot demand more from them, it is non-negotiable and they give everything. We need to shake up the players tactically and physically. You have to enjoy the pressure of being on this team. Today that pressure got to us a little bit.”
More than 20,000 fans
“Thank you for the support, the fans pushed us on, and that lack of energy has meant that we were in the rival half. We weren’t great today, yet we gave our all, we have to improve, and this is a reality check. We are going to continue working and improving. Even if they don't leave happy, at least they can see the effort we made. Today we leave with a bitter after taste.”
Continue on our path
“This is a very long road. In terms of feelings at home we are giving sensations of consistency. In the competition this is the second game that we’ve lost, we do not have to focus on the rivals. There is a team that is going at a different speed, we have to recover ours from consecutive victories. This is very long, it is a reality check in everything. This month is a month of survival, there are players who have had little training and had to play. We weren’t good, I am truly sorry from my heart.”
La Rosaleda, a demanding stadium
“During half-time I told the players about the pressure of this ground. People are demanding, they come to see their team win, play well and be brave. It’s normal and you have to understand it. This is a group that is a family and now is when they have to be most united. We had a talk at the end of the game, what happens in the dressing room stays in the temple. They are the ones who were the most upset, along with the fans. We need to hold our heads up, hurt for 24 hours and on Monday start training with energy. The coach needs that positive energy and has to convey it to them, and on Monday back to training.”