The C.D. Leganés coach, Asier Garitano, appeared in a press conference ahead of the pepineros' next game against C.D. Tenerife this Saturday (21:00 CEST) at the Estadio Municipal Butarque, in what will be their 12th LaLiga SmartBank match of the season.
The manager confirmed the absences of Bustinza, Omeruo, Quintillà, Doukouré, Avilés, Bautista and Sabin Merino due to injury and also spoke on how they adjusted last game: "The idea is to attack as much as we can, regardless if we play with four or five at the back. The most important thing is for each one to manage the space. We're getting punished for small errors, we need to improve a lot and that's always what we're asking after we play fixtures".
On the team's current form, Asier stated that "no one has let up. They all train well and are receptive, they show that on the pitch. In the past few years a lot of the players have experienced these kind of moments and you need to endure and face up to it. It's football, I don't believe in casualties. It's the time to go out and take the game, make it change and bring better fortune to the team. We need to seek out those small details that are costing us so that we can turn them around".
"Tenerife plays, they play well and they're up there with the best"
With respect to Saturday's opponent, he described as such: "Tenerife play, they play well. Every squad experiences the lows; they're coming off the back of two defeats, which will affect their moods, but nonetheless, they're a well-drilled side that's up there with the best and has been consistent there throughout the season. It's easier to win if you play well, of course, but the fact is that we're not winning games. Points are the be all and end all, but you only get closer if you do it the right way".
On his own squad, Garitano spoke regarding Jon Bautista's recovery: "He's managing, he has a small fracture which we expect to keep him out for another three weeks. Sometimes recoveries are faster, but only after 15-20 days would we let him back out. It doens't help, because we don't want to make excuses, but we do miss the contributions the absent players make to the team. It's been a few weeks now that we've been dealing with these restrictions".
"I always know the fans will be our 12th man, because they stick with us through the worst"
Several players faced unfavourable reactions the last time out, which Asier also mentioned: "Javi Hernández has been a bit tight for a couple of weeks, but he's holding up well. Bruno had a stomach problem as did Lazar, who we couldn't use in Alcorcón, it was a blow. He managed to finish the game, but we weren't confident that he would. Fede Vico has had a couple of full games which tires you, especially when you're giving everything. The game is very close, we'll see how they do come tomorrow and then we'll decide who we use". On Sergio González, who made his debut as a starter against Alcorcón, he reflected: "he's a guy who takes care of himself, very professional and trains really well. He's a safe bet for any coach, because you know he's always focused. I'm very happy that he had a great game".
Finally, he considered the importance of the fans to the team: "They are a fundamental part of the team. It's crucial that they're with us every game as if they were another player. It's what I felt before and what I know will happen, because they stick with us through the worst", he concluded.
