The coach of C.D. Leganés, Paco López, appeared this Thursday at the press conference prior to the match that the pepinero team will play on Friday (9:30 PM) against Cádiz C.F. at the Ontime Butarque Stadium, corresponding to the second round of LALIGA HYPERMOTION.
The coach assessed the team's current situation before the clash against the Cádiz side:
Injuries: "The same as last week, Pulido and Figueredo are the only confirmed absences. We are focused on the new players, we need to get to know them well, and it’s not easy. We were surprised by how intense Figueredo is in his work, and sometimes we have to hold him back. His recovery is going very well; if it were up to him, he’d already be back, but we’re not worried at all. He’s going to contribute a lot."
Cádiz: "Whenever you play against a team you’ve been part of, it’s something special, but all matches are equally important, and that’s what we always convey. We know we’re playing against a rival expected to be at the top, with a lot of history, who has started well and has a lot of talent up front with Ontiveros, Suso, Ocampo, Pascual, De la Rosa… Fast and quality players. We’ll have to do things very well to have a chance to win."
Importance of the match: "Every week we’re going to say that the most important match is the next one. We’re playing at home, with our fans. It’s a special feeling to reconnect with our people, and it serves as motivation. Knowing that there’s a record number of season ticket holders, that more than two hundred traveled to Huesca the other day, has to give us an extra boost. We’re very eager to see them supporting us and to give them what they deserve."
Juan Cruz: "The decision of who makes the squad depends on many things, especially physical, technical, and mental condition, and that’s what we’ll continue to evaluate. Everyone is engaged, and we want it to stay that way. He didn’t have the training sessions that the other teammates had. Players need to be at 100% on all levels. Players are human beings and have feelings and emotions. These kinds of situations affect anyone. That’s why we’re here day by day, to help the player and the person."
Defense: "Right now, the team is doing very well. Marvel has had a spectacular preseason in that position and gives us the possibility of having tactical variations, not just a specific full-back. It’s an advantage to have players who can play in multiple positions. Enric is getting close to 100% and will be important. We also have Saïd, who is a left-footed center-back and has had a great preseason. Jorge and Ignasi are experienced center-backs, good in aerial play and duels… Lalo and Marvel are very fast. We couldn’t have more balance in that area. We hope everyone gives their best in every match, and that’s what we’re here for."
Criticism: "They don’t hurt me; I understand them. This is football, and everyone has their opinion. Those of us who know the players best are us because we work with them daily. The same goes for the opponents. I’ve been to Huesca five times as a coach, and the context of that stadium is very difficult. My teams haven’t been able to win there, neither in the First Division nor the Second. It’s very intense, makes things very difficult for you, with many challenges. We needed a lot of focus and concentration, and it’s not easy. That doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement. But separating defense from attack, I think, isn’t realistic. If you lose the ball in the final third, the defense suffers. If you have a bad start from the back, the attackers suffer. Everything is connected. With the ball, we’re not quite there yet; we have significant room for improvement, and we’re working on it. We all want results, but this league is very tough and very balanced."
Systems: "Anything can be expected; I’m not one to stick to a fixed structure. We have players who allow us to change structures, with quality and technical ability. We’ll always try to find that balance between being a reliable team without the ball and a solid one with the ball. The most important thing is that, collectively, we do things well and raise the level. I’m convinced we’re going to improve."