Mel is positive about tomorrow's rival and the coach. “Lucas (Alcaraz) has a lot of experience, we know each other well. I expect a tough, enthusiastic Ibiza. It’s an important game for them, just like for us. We know what we’ll be up against,” he stated.

On this matchday there are several direct confrontations between teams in the lower part of the table. “It would be good for the team to get the three points. We have to try and make sure we’re out of the relegation zone by the end of January. We’re moving forward in many aspects and must try and get the three points,” he commented.

“It’s proving difficult for us to win, but I don't see my team succumbing to any rival. We’re always in the game and competing well,” Mel said about the team’s recent matches. “We’re trying to keep the team organised and compact,” he added.

In regard to Rubén Castro, “I've been with him for 10 years, he lives for goals and when they don’t come, he suffers. The other day he worked hard, he helped the team a great deal,” he said. In regard to the VAR: “I think it helps in many ways, but we must focus on what is dependent on the coach and the players,” he said.

“From Cartagena we avoided defeat until Valencia. We’re not happy about that, but we’re optimistic that the team is working hard and can achieve the objectives. The immediate one is getting out of the relegation zone,” said Mel who concluded by analysing the match calendar closing 2022: “The Alavés match will be very important, we will bid farewell to the year at home against a serious rival from above. And the Cup is important, the calendar is what it is, and we knew this was going to happen”.