Igor Oca: "A win is essential to secure our goal as soon as possible"

C.D. Leganés head coach Igor Oca held a press conference this Friday ahead of the match the "pepinero" side will play this Sunday (16:15 CET) at the Ontime Butarque Stadium against Real Racing Club, corresponding to matchday 39 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION.

The Basque coach assessed the current situation ahead of the clash as follows:

Absentees: "We welcome back the suspended players and Rubén Peña, who joins the squad compared to last week's absences. Jorge and Melero will not be available, as we felt it would be too much of a risk."

Pulido: "It was great news for everyone. We had been anticipating it in previous weeks; we didn't want to force him, but a situation arose with many absences, he had to come on, and he performed at a good level. He is another player who can contribute to us without any limitations regarding minutes."

Importance of winning: "It’s key. Coming off a good game against an opponent fighting for similar goals as Racing, in a difficult away setting, we must aim to win. We need the support the fans give us day after day, and we know it will be the same. We are committed to securing our objective as soon as possible, and it would be a great reward if we win on Sunday."

Open matches: "Racing concedes more than we do, but they have a massive offensive record. Three of their players alone have scored as many goals as our entire team. It makes it very clear why they are at the top. They have very specific characteristics, and we will try by all means to minimize those strengths and hurt them. We are convinced we will have chances."

Franquesa: "We have been conservative with him. He played over twenty matches after his injury; he has an ailment that will likely persist through these final matchdays, and we have to evaluate whether he plays or rests. Following tomorrow’s training, he could be an option, and we will make the decision we believe is most appropriate."

Potential sell-out: "We have always had that motivation. The fans have responded since day one; we’ve shared five home victories with them this year, and to do it again against a major opponent at this moment is a fundamental draw."

Distance from the relegation zone: "We compete against ourselves, and that responsibility exists. In the last month, only Mirandés and we have won; that is why it is key to return to winning ways and extend that gap to make it almost definitive."

Ignasi Miquel: "At this stage of the season, after almost forty matchdays, we are all running a bit tight. He provided nearly seventy minutes at a good level. This week has been calmer; we have managed his workload, and he has trained normally over the last few days."

Going for the win: "We have to choose what suits us best. We must select those who are performing at the highest level and then adapt to what the opponent proposes. We will have to field the best lineup we see fit; that is the approach we usually take and the one we will use to win on Sunday."