Luis Carrión: “We did a good job in the second half” 

C.D. Leganés head coach Luis Carrión held a press conference following the match between the Pepineros and R.C.D. Mallorca at Ontime Butarque Stadium, part of Matchday 11 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The coach offered the following assessment of the ninety minutes:

Assessment: “In the first half, we came out a bit timid in everything we did, hesitant, and that allowed Mallorca to control the ball more. In the second half, we were more daring and finished strong. It’s a shame we didn’t capitalize on our late chances, but we did a good job in the second half.”

Adjustments after halftime: “The solution is often for them to see it for themselves and share their thoughts with me. In the first half, we had a lot of room for improvement in pressing high; we’d win the ball back but didn’t want to lose it again. In the second half, we had some control and created chances, and the guys understood a bit better what we were looking for.”

Character: “We need all the players to feel they have a place on the team. I’m coming in with a clean slate, and my intention is to see who’s performing best and put them in. We have a squad good enough for everyone to make an impact on the team. The substitutes came on well, contributed, and helped the team finish stronger. What I liked most is that we stayed calm after conceding the goal. In the second half, we stepped up our pressure and drew them out when we had the ball. We took a few more risks with the ball, and it worked out better. We wanted the three points, but we saw some positives and other areas to improve.”

Álex Millán: “Even if he’s ever had a bad game, he certainly never gave up. He’s a well-liked guy in the locker room—he’s got personality, he gives it his all, and he even scored a goal. I’m happy with him and with everyone on the attack. Sancris had a great game, Naim delivered a goal-scoring cross… Everyone played well.”

Gharbi as a central midfielder: “He can play there—he’s done it for the national team—but I think he’s better in the final third. We’ve tried to field the most attacking players possible. He can play in many positions. Given the card he received and the position he was in, I decided to substitute him, but I don’t think he played badly.”

Goalkeeper change: “I hadn’t decided until this morning. Both are very good goalkeepers. It doesn’t mean I don’t trust Luca—he’s played some great games—but I wanted to make a change for more tactical reasons. This is about always competing for the starting spot, and hopefully it will help the team climb the standings.”

Going for it: “I prefer that to speculating—that we go for the win knowing it might cost us a point—because we’ll win more games that way. I liked that. Someday they’ll beat us, but with this kind of team, I think we’ll be more successful if we go for the win.”

Absences: “Lalo and Tejero didn’t make the game; they were dealing with some discomfort. If they weren’t there, it’s because they were carrying injuries.”