coach Elche CF, Francis Rodriguezpresented the press conference this Thursday before the game of love. Saturday (14:00)in the stadium Martinez Valeroin front Mallorcaa direct competitor in the fight for permanence, three points behind the group from Elche in the standings.
How is the team welcoming this important meeting?
We know that every game becomes more important as the end of the season approaches. We face a direct opponent and we welcome the match with all illusion, ambition and respect. We believe we can take them forward, but we must be careful and know how to read well.
What worries you more, your team, your opponent, the pressure or the summary of everything?
More than worrying, what worries me is my team and respect for the opponent who just beat Atletico de Madrid. We have to face the game with enough ambition and know how to live with the pressure that is always present in the Premier League, where all games matter. To get the three points, we need to be humble and play well.
The match was described as the “final”, but after the match against Mallorca, there are still seven games left…
“Of course. There are still eight games and there are direct matches in this game. It’s important to add three points for all teams. The other day we saw that only Mallorca can win. If we win, he will win.” It is an important step, but it is not certain. Even if we do not win, it will not be the final. We are four points behind in relegation and all opponents have difficult matches. We will not think about everyone but ourselves and our match. Consider competing to the maximum to win.
How are the staff and players suffering from discomfort during the week?
Carrillo won’t be there, and we already know that Lucas Boyé isn’t available. But there will be other comrades as well. Helibelton Palacios has been suspended and I think it would be good for Mojica to play. Josan suffered from discomfort, did not train today and we will see his improvement. Pastore has already joined the group and has two training sessions. I’m not worried about losses, what worries me is getting 100% of the players. There are players who don’t get minutes and have a chance. We’ve played other games with casualties before and all we have to do is get the best level of each.
Despite the last three defeats, Elche is in good shape and they are confident to save themselves…
I understand that after losing three games there can be doubts around, but there is no doubt in our minds. We know who we are and what we must do to reach our goal; and what we should suffer. .No one has given us the 32 points we have, and no one will give us the 38 we seek to redeem ourselves. There’s pressure in professional football, coaches have always been under pressure, and that’s something I like because it means we work.
Has the change of manager at Mallorca with the arrival of Javier Aguirre changed what you’ve read?
Change in Mallorca is drastic. It was a more dynamic and more cohesive team with Luis García. Now, he has a more direct play and very crowded defense with Aguirre. He has three points out of six after the manager change and will want to keep improving. But we need it too, and we want to do our bit to win.
Boyé and Carrillo’s losses leave him only Ponce and Pere Milla as specific forwards. Are you considering making any tactical changes and booking a bench?
We have to be smart and consider where we have more and less soldiers. There are players who have fewer minutes, train very well and can take their chances and contribute.
What do you think of the huge response from the fans with more than 7,000 tickets sold in the promotion launched by the club?
We are very happy and proud of the loyal people who come. And these loyal people earn more because the promotion is for subscribers. This makes us very proud of our fans. We need your support and everyone is needed. We’re going to put all our effort into winning, and I hope we’ll all celebrate it together, because those would be three very important points.
Losses at the front, Josan’s doubts that he can play right-back, his goals against Real, changed him as a centre-back. Is the week with the least clear top eleven?
I’m not worried because I have top players. But the situation seems to get more complicated when you have three losses in a row. If we had come from winning, we probably wouldn’t have these injury and enforcement issues. We are all very clear and convinced of what we want to do. It is time for all of us to be united. Whoever it is, I’m sure he will do well. This is a time of sacrifice. Warming up is a good sign for a ram.
How is the physical condition of the team? There are now two games in a row, Saturday against Mallorca and Tuesday against Betis, an occasional trip…
There are people who have problems during the week and that doesn’t stop them from training with everyone. You have to apply a lot of force. We have two matches in 72 hours and we need to prepare for them a lot on an analytical level. I think we will reach the end of the season in a good way physically and tactically.