Although it may seem contradictory, There are facts that cannot be measured with numbers., but they are clearly visible in speeches like the one Mario Gaspar made at the press conference. Elche may not have started the season in the best way but one thing is clear: This is a team from Elche.
This is reflected by the Novelda defender, who asks Beccacece how he feels in the position he asks him on the field, and he assures: The reality of feeling comfortable is “not a matter of one or two players, but the collective functioning of eleven players.” Those who are on the field and those who enter during the game.”
harmony with the group
During this start of the campaign, Mario Gaspar perfectly adapted to a group that had to rebuild him after separations and merger. There is a process to everything and “We took a step towards competing better in these last matches.”especially away from home. “The game may not have been as fluid as before, but we fought better.”
In any case, the player thinks that ; “We all have room for improvement and this is the path we must follow.”
He emphasizes this idea: “We were a bit uncompetitive away from home but that was already seen in Elda and against Valladolid. We played a very bad game in Gijón. We returned to this level in Huesca and the team responded well. This is the way to go. “This is the minimum required and from here we must improve and achieve better results.”
Match by match
Mario Gaspar expresses that he is a calm man with his facial expressions and speaking style. And he wants to move forward step by step. “You don’t need to think too much about the calendar,” he says when asked how important matches against direct rivals might be.
“If you want to be at the top you have to beat all kinds of opponents. This last win strengthens us and gives us confidence for the next match, but we should not make assumptions about the next matches. We must focus on Tenerife.”
next meeting
For Mario Gaspar, Saturday’s game against Tenerife (Martínez Valero, 21:00) is “a good opportunity to add the three points that we have not achieved yet this season and to achieve two wins in a row.” The opponent’s job will not be easy at all. “We will play a very tough match, our opponent will be one of the best players throughout the season and it will be very difficult to face them.but in League Two all games can get complicated. We are already learning from that.” Gaspar also highlights his aerial play and excellent finishing ability from set pieces, which he claims the team is working on, paying particular attention to this and second balls.
Could this meeting be a turning point? “It could be. Adding three matches one by one always gives you the option of entering the top zone. Winning is important and could be a turning point for the next matches, but in the end we only have to think about Tenerife. When viewed from above, the situation is very dangerous and we need to work well as a team.. “In strategy, in second balls… Elda and Huesca’s path must be reaffirmed with a home game and a win.”
Physically better
On a personal level, in terms of physical condition, “I feel much better” than when I started the course because I came from a period where I did not do pre-season preparations. I came to the first match and the games you play help you find the best physical version of yourself.”.
At home
Playing for Martínez Valero “always helps. It is very important to have people coming to cheer at your stadium. This is our home and we are always more comfortable. It is also seen in games. “The team takes 15 or 20 shots per game, but it is true that we are not strong, but it is only a matter of time.”
Do you think this is the key to Elche not scoring? “It is normal for a team to score few goals and not create them, but when you score as many goals as we do in home games… (silence).
These are lines. There will come a time when you roll 10 and score three points. This team needs to be the hero, reach the opponent’s territory and find fewer chances. That’s what we do. We must remain calm as long as we have the opportunity to score. Goals will come”.
Mario Gaspar: “I want to play in the First League with Elche”
How are you in Elche?
“The welcome was great. There is a very good atmosphere in the team. I was born in Novelda and came to watch the matches as a child and it has always been a team for which I have a special affection. I am happy here. Artık maç kazanmaya devam etmeliyiz” he concludes.