A very tough rival
“The statistics are there, we’ve never won or even scored at El Alcoraz. That happens for a reason, and we’re going in with the idea of breaking the curse, just like we managed to beat Huesca here last season. We know how strong they are at home, it’s one of the toughest grounds in the division. A team with changes, but with the same fluidity and a core of very important players. They maintain their structure, and they’ve been very competitive on their home turf. We’ll need to stay very alert to where the ball is, we want it to be a match played with our own identity. They can use different systems, we’ve prepared for them, and it’s been a complicated week with player situations we’ve had to deal with. Regret and complaints don’t exist for us this year.”
Absences in the squad
“The only injury is Puga’s adductor. Izan has an ankle issue; Dani Sánchez and Dorrio, viral illnesses; Moussa and Ramón are in recovery; Luismi and Pastor are long-term. I’ve mentioned eight players, and only one has a minor adductor problem. A lot of problems by matchday 5, but that also means opportunities arise. It’s hitting us hard, we’re one of the teams most affected by unlucky situations and now viral infections. Everyone is working really well, in an incredible way. There are going to be injuries because of the demands. Other players are stepping up, Recio and Rafita are in the squad, and Haitam will also be included. We have different situations with Jokin, Murillo, and Rafita, but beyond that, it’s about sticking to our identity and finding each player’s best moment of form. There’s a time for everyone, this year the demands have gone up.”
Return of Niño
“He’s doing very well, with a lot of energy. He made his debut and scored, which is great news. That energy is contagious. Eneko has also had a very good week, along with Chupete. We now have different options that we didn’t have last week.”
Darko is one more
“He’s had a full week of training, he’s in good shape and ready. He’s going to help us a lot, I’m leaving this week pleased because I’ve seen good things from him and from everyone. He’s a player who can adapt to different positions and make his teammates better. He’ll be in the squad; last week I took him along so he could soak up the atmosphere of his stadium and feel that sense of belonging, to experience it from the inside. Now that he has, this week he has the chance to help us.”
Haitam returns but with caution
“I’m including him as a reward for his hard work, hopefully he won’t need to come on because we’ve managed different systems. We have to be cautious with Haitam.”
