Paco López: “We are approaching the Cup with great enthusiasm”

C.D. Leganés coach Paco López appeared at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the team's match against C.D. Azuaga on Wednesday (8:00 p.m.) in the first round of the 2025/26 Copa del Rey.

The coach gave his assessment of the situation ahead of the match:

Team status: "We are really looking forward to the match. It's a competition that motivates us and excites us. We are really looking forward to the match in Azuaga. We know they are playing on their home turf, on artificial grass, and that will make it much more even. We are aware that if we don't play at our best, they will make things difficult for us. They are not going to make it easy for us; they are fourth in their league, they have kept several clean sheets, and last year they were on the verge of promotion."

Importance of the Cup: “Very important. We want to go as far as possible and we have to start with these kinds of knockout games, taking them with the utmost rigor and effort. We are excited and motivated by this competition.”

Artificial turf: "We haven't trained on artificial turf, you're not going to adapt much more by adapting for one day. I don't think it's right, honestly. It depends on what type of artificial turf is harmful to players, but those are the rules of the competition. Our opponents on Saturday are playing away today, which is much more comfortable, and they have an extra day of rest. We'll only have 48 hours of rest, which is unfair because we all have a lot at stake every week."

Franquesa: “He's still not completely over his muscle problems and will stay here.”

Analysis of the opponent: “There isn't much information in terms of video or analysis. We've gathered our information about what kind of team we're going to face.”

San Román: “He'll play, of course.”

Youth players in the starting lineup: "There will be some. In order to avoid possible improper lineups, we have to be careful with the reserve team players. The rules say you have to have first-team players, so there will be some, but not as many as we would like."

Message to the dressing room: "Leganés has reached the quarterfinals twice and the semifinals once. I also reached the semifinals with Levante. It's a competition that can become very exciting and attractive, and why not? Everyone is aware that this is a competition in which we defend our badge, and every time we put on this shirt, we have to defend it to the fullest."

Real objective: “There's no question of playing around. The starting eleven will be the most competitive one to win and advance to the next round.”