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Press conference

Víctor: “The Cup is over; now to focus on the league”

The Blue and White coach held a press conference following last night’s Cup elimination against UM Escobedo. “We tried to play the best possible tie we could, within our circumstances”, he affirmed.

Escobedo-Málaga

“We approached this tie with every intention of moving forward in the competition, but aware of how the match was going to be; numerous divided actions, a lot of direct play… As such, it’s tough to highlight certain situations due to the difference in category of the footballers. The players tried and they fought. In the end, it’s not easy to play under these circumstances, as the play is very divided, you have to be accurate and maintain concentration. For us the Cup is a competition that has generated a whole host of problems. Although we treat it with the utmost respect and seriousness, having such a small squad, in the circumstances we find ourselves in, with injured players, it was very difficult trying to configure the list of called-up players and the starting-11. We also have to consider the upcoming League game, which is our true reality, where we’re competing for survival with two open fronts, that of sporting and economic survival”.

Changing the mindset

“Our heads have to be focused on LaLiga, which is why this Cup game, with such little time for rest since last weekend’s league clash, as well as all the travel, was somewhat undesirable. However, we tried to play the best possible tie we could, within our circumstances. We congratulated the rival, who showed the accuracy the match required, whereas we did not. Two mistakes in two set piece actions, an indecision, they took the lead and knew how to manage their advantage. For us, the Cup is over. Well done to the rival. Now we have to focus on the competition of greatest importance to us, LaLiga”.

Adverse circumstances

“Considering the level of excitement generated when a team has the chance to play the tie of their life, it’s tough for us to get to those levels. However, we also competed with the enthusiasm of winning the tie, as it’s great to be able to continue in the Cup competition. In addition, for the players who have less minutes, the Cup is always good as it allows them to have increased participation. With 17 professional players registered and the regulations limiting a maximum of four reserve team players, the players’ workload is immense, injuries are accumulating, and the Cup is a headache. The list of called-up players and the 11 was made taking into account the risks of the players who have played the most minutes, yet also wanting to be competitive. It’s hard, but we’re out now, we need to move on and continue the same solid, consistent line of work, making the most of last weekend’s draw with Extremadura to win at home against Lugo. That’s what we need to focus on”.

Looking forward

“When you lose a match and you’re eliminated from a competition, it’s not a nice feeling, and everyone becomes discouraged. The mood after a defeat is logical, but we need to concentrate on the positives. The Cup is over for us, we now need to all focus our strengths on the league, the competition that gives us life”.