Last match against Celta de Vigo

“One never likes to lose. In the match against Celta de Vigo we suffered with specific mistakes. I think things were done well. We conceded far fewer shots at goal the last few times than we’ve seen at Celta’s ground. The rival made just three approaches, but scored three times. These are mistakes that cannot happen in the First Division, as they will penalise you, particularly against quality players. We must improve on this, which is what we’re working on. I also think we did a lot of things right and must keep working hard. We’ve got from now until Monday to train”.

Solid defence

“We want to have a lot of security in defence, as we’ve had in recent years. It’s something we’ve lost over the past few months, but there’s nothing else to do except improve and work hard. Firstly, we need to maintain a solid defence, which starts from the top. What is clear is that it’s the work of 11 players. Each one of us needs to improve. Over the last few years, maintaining a clean sheet has earned us a lot of points. It’s something we must improve on if we want to move forward from now on”.

Marcelo Romero

“As a player, he had great intensity and character. This is the first thing we’re trying to convey. I think we maintained good pressure upfront against Celta, we stole balls and showed character many times during play. However, we have to improve on the errors we’re making. With regards to the attack, we’ve scored many goals in compared to previous years”.

Real Sociedad

“They are a difficult team. The coach has been there several years and the squad is the same as last year. There are fantastic players, particularly upfront and in midfield. A team that plays well and always tries to claim possession. We will need to make the most of our options, which is what we’re working on all week. We must go all out at our home ground, with great intensity and enthusiasm, and try to win the three points, regardless of the rival we’re up against”.

Overcoming injury

“It was an injury that went away for three weeks, but returned in the same area during a training session. I was out of action for three months, and am now trying to regain rhythm in training, and above all, matches. The other day I played my first match in the starting line-up, but I’m still not at 100 per cent. I’m raring to go, and very keen to regain pace and be on top in the second round. I would like to be a Winter signing too for the upcoming second round, and hope all goes well”.