Paco López: "If we want to win, we have to be at our best"

C.D. Leganés coach Paco López appeared at the press conference ahead of the match between the Pepineros and C.D. Mirandés this Saturday (4:15 p.m.) at the Mendizorroza Stadium, corresponding to the ninth round of LALIGA HYPERMOTION.

The coach gave his assessment of the current situation ahead of the match:

Outs: "The same as last week. We have several players in doubt, but the only one out is Pulido. There are players who we won't decide if they'll be called up until the last training session."

Feelings: "Victories are always good. But regardless of whether you've won or not, the analysis is always the same from the training session. We work to win, we did it the other day in Andorra, and the idea is to show the same identity for this match."

Asymmetrical schedule: "We have to adapt and know that we have to play on all fields. We'll try to show in every game, whether away or at home, that we're a competitive and recognizable team."

Mirandés: "It seems like a cliché, but it's the reality. It doesn't matter if they haven't won at home, it's going to be just as difficult. This is a team with players full of enthusiasm, with two forwards like Carlos Fernández and Gonzalo Petit at a high level. They combine experience and youth, and it's going to make things very difficult for us. If we want to win, we know we have to give our all, be sharp in the final yards, and show that we're a team with a clear and recognizable identity."

Differences between home and away: "We know that in today's football, what's evaluated is what's achieved, not what's deserved. We've deserved much more in home games, except against Castellón, but the reality is this. We've shown the same hallmarks as we have on the road, but I'm convinced we'll find that balance and that we'll be just as strong at home as we are away."

Dynamics: "It doesn't affect our work or the way we approach the match. The dynamics can change at any moment, and we only look at the positive aspects of the opponents."

Cisse's absence: "I stick to my same line of thinking. The starters aren't more important than those who come on later. There isn't a single player who maintains top form for ten months. From then on, everyone will be important. I value the starter as much as the one who comes on later or the one who helps off the bench. We try to make it that way, and that's what strengthens a group and a dressing room."

Jorge Sáenz: "He's been struggling with discomfort for some time now, which is preventing him from training normally. He's doing his part and is willing to help no matter how he's doing."

Naim: "The players' performance is important. They started to show it in preseason, and we're trying to get them to improve. Naim has done his part. But the important thing is that if tomorrow Naim or those who are playing more drop their level a little, which is normal, there are others who are at that level to help us. The most important and necessary thing is always the team."

Duk's goal: "The determination and decision-making of the players is key. He usually stays after training to practice, and he's done so on occasion. There were two options: Naim crossing or Duk shooting. I really value players who have that determination. It was one of the goals of the season."

What he liked about the week: "The people who didn't participate the other day, who always do a make-up training, always send a message to rebel and insist and generate a good atmosphere. I really value that."

Promotion recall: "I would have taken advantage of it if we were on Matchday 40. It always helps; it's something historic for this club, and it can't be forgotten."

Match in the United States: "My focus is on the day-to-day, our reality, and what we want to achieve. We coaches have enough to think about our match and our team; it's others who have to decide if they think it's better or worse."

Morale after winning: "Victories are always good. You fight to win, but neither negative nor positive results are going to upset us or generate emotional swings. We analyze them based on improvement, the performance, the things we have to do. Except for the match against Castellón, we've been recognizable; we've deserved more in previous matches, but we have to prove it. We remain just as convinced that this team has the capacity and will continue to demonstrate it, based on what they show me on a daily basis, on how they are as a team, and on what they demonstrate in so many minutes during the matches."

Irregularity: "Our improvement lies in being much more consistent during matches. We are self-critical and very demanding in that regard. We have significant room for improvement."

Villa de Leganés: "Our focus is on Saturday's match. Right now, we're not worried about Monday; all our focus and effort is on Mirandés. Monday will come, and we'll play so our fans can enjoy it."