The value of a point
“The point is the point, the way in which we faced this match was to seek the three points, which I believe was very clear from the outset. That great first part where, not just because of the result, but also the gameplay, we were more deserving, and had we had better aim would have reached half-time with a bigger advantage. We were up against a great team, one of the teams that will be fighting for promotion from here until the end. When they went level our confidence went down and doubts set in. Whereas their confidence increased, and the match turned around. We had the upper hand in terms of confidence and dominance at half-time, but their equaliser turned things around emotionally. They piled more pressure on, they played their possession game that allows them to dominate their rivals more. We tried to get back into the match, we saw the team wasn’t able to react as they kept overcoming us, which is why we changed the system to try and correct that. Things evened out with the new system, we maintained possession, but the number of arrivals reduced, and we had to deal with various dangerous counter-attacks. The effort the players made was immense, the second half took its toll on our competitive level. The point is neither good nor bad, it is what it is and allows us to keep adding, which is positive. Our intention is always to go for the three points, but against tough teams such as this one, which should be going up, the team competed very well. That’s what we have to focus on and we must congratulate the players as the way they earned the point was important. Not just the point, you need to show courage competing against big rivals”.
Debut of Lorenzo
“You have to give Lorenzo time, like the rest of the players who have a bright future ahead of them. Obviously, I understand that there may be expectations surrounding all the signings, but it’s also important to recognise the age and maturity of the players. We need to help them to grow. We’ve been very pleased with his attitude from day one”.
Fans and the team
“From the outside, all we feel is the fans’ constant support of the players, it’s fundamental and we’re very grateful. In these circumstances, which aren’t easy with everything going on around the team, it’s essential that the players see the fans are with them and encourage them at all times. Particularly when the matches are tough. The games must be worked for 90 minutes, it’s very difficult to be able to dominate a match when there are no alternations and when the rival team is piling the pressure on. The fans’ support is crucial. It really gives the players a boost and we’re extremely thankful. The only thing we can do is thank our fans for their constant support”.
