Pepe Mel took part in a press conference at La Rosaleda’s Juan Cortés press room. Amongst other topics, he analysed the state of the infirmary. “The week has gone pretty well in terms of recovering players. Tomorrow will be the true test for Gallar and Hervías, who are a crucial part of the team. Juande has been in training all week without a problem. Pablo Chavarría has done so at a less intense pace but has been with the group. The more players available to you, the stronger you are,” he explained.
The sensations on the pitch are better, but the results aren’t there: “The rival is the least of it. We’ve improved many things, Santander was the match I liked the least. In the others we were in the match, better than the rival, but we couldn’t round them off with a result. We’re better in defence, but this needs to be converted into results, and that is what has us worried right now,” he added.
MCF broke a long losing streak at home – 10 months – last time: “The players have respect for La Rosaleda, but they feel loved, it's like the father who scolds his children in a family. They look at La Rosaleda as if they have to pass an exam and it’s been a struggle. We’ve been talking about the game. We have a problem, but if we improve, we’ll be stronger. It’s hard for us to turn things around in the face of adversity. We’re capable of scoring two goals, which we must do. When you have a setback, you need to keep competing at the same level and never give up,” said the manager.
Lumor Agbenyenu already travelled to Oviedo, but his registration process with LaLiga didn’t arrive in time for his debut at the Tartiere: “Lumor is registered, the paper that was missing has arrived today. He’s now available, without any problem. He has no physical problems, despite not competing for a long time. This is a new team for him, and he needs to adapt to certain things, but he will be available for Eibar,” said Pepe Mel.
The coach is ambitious and knows that a draw isn’t enough: “Scoring one point at a time is no good. The rival is a well put together team, it’s going to be tough, but we have to make Eibar worry about Rubén Castro, Hervías, Febas and those who step on to the pitch,” he confirmed.
The coach understands the challenge that lies ahead: “You find a team that has become accustomed to not winning. I came here with tremendous enthusiasm, and this has become a personal challenge. It’s important to end this journey well. The team is progressing, but everything depends on the results, and this is the biggest problem we have right now,” he concluded.
