The physical condition of the team remains a concern as injuries plague their roster. “Gerard is definitely out, and Dani has a slight muscular issue. We will see if he makes it to this match. If not, he should be back for the next one. I don’t have detailed information about his problem yet, as he underwent tests yesterday,” the manager stated.
There is discernible frustration regarding players’ irregularities due to injuries this season. “This year has been tough on us in terms of injuries. We faced three serious injuries during pre-season and another one in January. It is unusual, but these things can happen in football. Gerard struggled with continuity last year, and Ayoze is not in the same rhythm he had previously, experiencing some breaks. We strive to maximize our players’ performance, but injuries are an unfortunate part of modern football and affect nearly all teams.”
Looking forward to an important match against Levante, the manager emphasized the stakes, stating, “Every game is crucial as we enter the final third of the competition. Winning is challenging for all teams, especially with those fighting relegation finding ways to secure points. We are facing Levante, and for them, this match is critical. A loss could put them in a dire situation. We are aware we need to win even though it won’t be easy. They were performing well, but recently lost two matches against Athletic and Valencia. They drew against Atlético, serving as a warning for us. We need to find our best version to secure a victory.”
The match is expected to present significant challenges, particularly because of Levante’s urgent need for points. “I anticipate a tough game given the rival’s desperation. They will give everything to win. We must match Levante’s intensity and assert ourselves in play because we are the better team, as indicated by the standings, our squad, and performance so far. However, anything can happen in a match, and we’ve faced unfavorable details recently, so we must alter our current trajectory.”
In discussing confidence, the manager pointed to a need for consistency. “Just a week ago, we played exceptionally well against a strong opponent despite not being on a good run. We need to replicate such performances regularly. Against Getafe, it was a different story; we controlled the game but failed to create opportunities in attack. Winning is difficult in those scenarios, and with 12 consecutive matches where we’ve conceded goals, if we allow two, we are likely to lose. Our key area for improvement lies in preventing goals. Even while playing away, we must enhance our offensive balance.”
Addressing competition within the league, the manager believes that focusing on their own performance is crucial. “To remain at the top, we must accumulate points ourselves; it does not matter what others do. If we perform sufficiently in the second half of the season, we can achieve our goals. We need to prioritize winning over worrying about other teams. The volatility of football creates unpredictable outcomes, and even top-tier teams like Atlético, FC Barcelona, or Real Madrid can find themselves challenged.”
Regarding their young defenders, the manager acknowledged the challenge they’ve taken on. “We expected this and accepted it. We cannot lament our situation. We’ve brought in young players who may lack experience, but they are talented. We need to work towards establishing stability in defense, which is achievable with time and effort. While we lack experience, we must leverage the talent we have. We’ve opted for this approach, and it is imperative to face it head-on.”
Lastly, a nod was given to the evolution of Spanish football. “La Liga reflects trends similar to recent years; the technical level has fluctuated with economic factors. Currently, two historically strong clubs, Valencia and Sevilla, are not performing to their historical standards. Teams like Real Madrid still maintain competitive positions in Europe. However, the Premier League holds a different status, akin to the NBA, with significant disparities between clubs of various levels. The recent market trends also revealed how clubs below their usual standing can acquire talented players, highlighting the challenges in the current landscape.”
The anticipation for the upcoming match against Levante is high, with hopes that the team can reclaim its confidence and consistency on the pitch as they strive to perform at their maximum level.