Igor Oca: “We're ready, we are in need, and we're going to go for it”

C.D. Leganés head coach Igor Oca appeared at a press conference on Friday ahead of the team’s match against Real Valladolid on Sunday (2:00 p.m.) at Estadio Ontime Butarque, as part of Matchday 21 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION.

The coach assessed the team’s current situation ahead of the match as follows:

Duk: “It’s the only situation that concerns us. He hasn’t been able to train much with the group, and we’ll assess him right up until the last minute given how important he is.”

Lucas Pérez: "We have to take it to the very end given the limited time we have. The feeling is very good. The player, regardless of his situation, is in good spirits and is getting along better with his teammates every day. In the coming days we’ll see what happens, taking into careful consideration the player, his circumstances, and the opinions of the club and the medical staff. He’s already contributing through his experience and track record, through his quality.”

Pressure: “In terms of our play, we’re getting better and better. The team is excited, enjoying itself, and turning adverse situations around. There are moments when we have to remember where we are—we’re very unhappy with certain behaviors we’ve exhibited, and those are what have led us to the situation we’re in. We’re trying to guide them toward those other positive behaviors by training and reinforcing those positive moments.”

Message to the fans: “We’re coming off a break feeling refreshed, and we need you as always. I’ve noticed that we’ve been fired up because you’ve pushed us to string together good runs of play. That happened on the road in Santander and Albacete, but also at home against Sporting and Córdoba—if it weren’t for you, things would have been much tougher for us. I have no doubt that you’ll come with the excitement of seeing the team win; it’s a fact that you’re fully behind us to help us secure the victory.”

Players whose contracts are expiring: “It hasn’t been long since we’ve been here officially. Every player is fully available, even those who’ve seen less playing time. We’ve relied on those who are best prepared right now—that’s what we have to do: live in the present as a team performing well, even if we’re just one point above the relegation zone. We have 90 minutes ahead of us to try to win on Sunday.”

Valladolid: “There are certain similarities. We know that our greatest asset is our strengths—adapting to what Valladolid does, but being able to overpower them based on who we are. That’s what the match hinges on. They have injuries, but positive energy from their new coaching staff. We’re playing at home, and we absolutely have to make a statement and start this new year off right.”

Second leg: “I’m not very good at looking even a few weeks ahead. The most important thing is daily training, having everything clear, and working with certainty. Valladolid is all I’m focused on right now; we’ll have time to look at what comes next later. We’re looking ahead to Sunday, staying true to what we’ve been doing. All our energy is on tomorrow’s match to win.”

Work during the week: “The first thing is to unify our approach. We’re on the same page. We were already able to turn things around in that same match; there were a few things to correct early in the week, and then we focused on how to hurt Valladolid.”

Álex Millán: “Words are one thing, actions another. We’ll rely on the forwards we believe are in the best form. They’re all very evenly matched. Depending on how we can hurt the opponent, we’ll decide what we think is best. We’re happy with Álex’s work, which was reflected in a goal.”

Winter transfer window: “The team is enjoying every moment we spend together. It might be a distorted perception, but we see the team on an upward trajectory. We have to make the most of those minutes and be competitive. We have complete confidence in the management; we communicate daily, and we’ll see if anything comes of it. We have to work on improving the players we already have.The result can sometimes be misleading, as Andrés mentioned back then. The first half the other day was far from what we want, and in the second half, with the same players, it was different. Whatever is meant to happen will happen.”

Figueredo and Pulido: "They're on the right track. Figueredo's situation is a minor issue and the timeline is getting shorter, but we have to be cautious. Things are going very well with Pulido, but the final phase takes the time it takes, and we have to monitor all the processes. We’re not setting deadlines; he’s being tremendously professional and wants to be available, but we need to stay calm about it.”

Squad readiness: “I was hired to work with the players we have, and we’re finding situations we like. It’s a process. You have to show the player affection so he can give his best. If he’s already given his best, I have to rediscover it. If a transfer opportunity arises that improves performance tomorrow, I’ll be on board. If not, because management doesn’t consider it, so be it. I really enjoy the day-to-day, and even more so when we get the win, as I believe will happen against Valladolid.”

Team level: “We have to find our rhythm. I want to understand from the inside what each player can bring to the table; we invest a lot of time in that, and they have to be open to what we believe we need to do to win. The result demands a lot from us, but we still have a ways to go. We're ready, we need this, and we're going to go for it—and if we don't win, it will be because there are things we didn't do right.”