Leganés’ coach hinted that Hispano-Argentine Juan Cruz will again be left out of the squad as the team prepares to host Cádiz at Butarque on Friday night. “Juan Cruz is a person too, and we’re here to support him,” he said, while defending the defensive line after recent criticisms.
Bajas for the Cádiz game remain the same as last week: Pulido and Sebas Figueredo are unavailable. The coach called Cádiz a club with history and quality that’s started the season well, with attackers like Ontiveros, Suso, Pascual and De La Rosa providing pace and skill. “We know we’re facing a team likely to be near the top,” he added. “We’ll have to do things very well if we want to have a chance.”
Win the next two home games? That would be important, he suggested. “Every week we’ll say the same thing: the next game is the most important. We’ll play in our own stadium, in front of our fans. It’s special to reconnect with our people. The record attendance lately is a stimulus—more than 200 supporters travelled to Huesca—so that should give us an extra boost and rally the team.”
On Juan Cruz’s absence and whether he’ll travel tomorrow: “Choosing who’s in the squad and who plays depends on many factors—physical, technical and mental. We want all players firing on all three fronts, and we’ll keep evaluating.”
Do the left-back position call for reinforcement? “The squad is in good shape. Marvel had an excellent preseason in that role, giving us tactical options from the left, and Franquesa, when fully fit, will also be important. On the backline, we have Figueredo and Peña as right-back options, three central defenders and two left-backs. Said can also play there. I’m happy with the defensive line and we’ll see how we can keep improving.”
What about Ignasi Miquel? The coach noted that, in preseason, Miquel has shown experience and aerial ability alongside Jorge. “Lalo and Marvel are incredibly quick for the back line too. We can’t ask for more than that,” he said, adding that the defense will keep striving for balance and consistency.
Was the defensive critique after Huesca premeditated? Not at all. “I understand the criticisms—who wouldn’t. The players and rivals are analyzed constantly. Huesca is a difficult ground, a tough environment, and we warned a week in advance that we had to be alert and focused. That doesn’t mean we can’t improve. The criticisms went to the defense, but for me it’s unrealistic to separate defense from attack. If you lose the ball in the middle, the defense suffers. The game is a continuum.”
Which factor most influenced Juan Cruz’s non-selection? “Physically, he hasn’t trained normally like the other players. The three levels—physical, technical and mental—must be at 100%. We’ll keep assessing to decide who plays.”
Did the news about Juan Cruz’s paternity leave affect the decision? “Players are people. They’re humans with feelings. These things affect anyone. We’re here to support the player and the person.”
And Figueredo’s physical condition? “We’re monitoring him, especially as he’s adapting to football in a new country. His intensity at the start surprised us, so we’ve had to manage it. Sebas is still getting to know us; he’s a dedicated kid, and the recovery is going well. We’ll pull back when needed.”
Could a surprise use of a number ten or a change of system occur? “I don’t fixate on one formation. Marvel can operate in multiple positions, and structures can shift during a match. The strength of the team lies in its balance between being solid without the ball and effective with it. We’re looking to grow collectively, and each game we must improve.”
Bottom line: the Leganés coach stresses unity, careful selection, and a clear plan to improve as Cádiz arrives. The squad will lean on its depth to cope with injuries and trial new shapes, while staying focused on delivering results at home.
Summary: Leganés faces Cádiz with Pulido and Figueredo still out, Juan Cruz not on the flight to Huesca and a coach intent on balancing defense and attack, trusting a flexible lineup and the support of the home crowd to drive a positive start to the season.
Commentary: The coach’s approach signals a pragmatic, player-centered strategy that prioritizes team cohesion and tactical flexibility over rigid formations. By highlighting the integration of new players and stressing collective responsibility for both ends of the pitch, Leganés aims to convert pressure into momentum—an encouraging sign for fans hoping the club builds on last season’s foundation.