Schuster talks about the first round game: “Regardless of the result, the first round match was a good display by both teams, playing good football starting from the back and reaching the rival goal area. Now, perhaps because of the current situation, things have changed a bit, but I think it’ll be a great game.”
The German-born manager analyses the situation surrounding both teams ahead of tomorrow’s match: “Tomorrow will be an important day for them, they need to go out there with only victory in mind. For us it’s about coming away with another positive result following last weekend’s win against Sevilla, and leaving a rival behind.”
There are various changes to the team line-up this weekend, including the two latest ‘Malaguista’ signings, Rescaldani and Iakovenko: “They’ve both been performing well in training. We’re facing a difficult match tomorrow, but they’re used to such games and stadium atmospheres. We can definitely count on them, so we’ll see if a chance arises for them to make their debut.”
Having overcome his back injuries, El Hamdaoui has returned to the team line-up: “He’s not had any problems in training, which is why he’s coming with us. I don’t think he’ll be in the starting-11, but he’s keen to get out there and play, and we really noticed his performance on the attack in the last match.”
The latest signings won’t affect the already-established roles of the other players on the team: “Nothing has changed, except for the fact that competition within the squad has increased, which is a good thing. The quality of play has improved in training sessions, and the players have noticed it too. For me it’s great to look out from the dugout and see that any team member is available to play at any moment. Everyone will be an important part of the team in the second round of the League competition.”
The ‘Malaguista’ coach isn’t concerned about the atmosphere at the Vallecas stadium: “It’s just another ground to us. I’m always thinking about victory, and if that’s not possible, then we focus on a draw. It’s going to be a difficult match tomorrow, as was last weekend’s game against Sevilla FC, but it’ll be tough in a different way, and we’ll need to concentrate on the small details in order to win. If we don’t, we’ll be in a difficult position.”
With regards to the suspensions issued by the Competition Committee, Schuster shows understanding at Duda’s ban, as he received his fifth yellow card for taking his shirt off during his goal celebration against Sevilla FC last weekend: “Of course I’d like to have him in the line-up tomorrow, as he’s been supporting us a great deal in midfield. However I can’t blame him as I know how he felt at the time, and the last thing on your mind is a yellow card.”
Regarding his own suspension, the German coach adds: “Sending me off was a mistake as I hadn’t done anything, I didn’t even speak to the ref. It was a case of player-ball-coach, but I don’t think it should have led to my expulsion. I think it was an unfair decision by the referee, as well as the subsequent two-match ban.”
