Alcoyano’s coach, Vicente Parras, spoke to El Collao supporters before the 2024 campaign began, outlining the tough path the team must tread in the home clash with Mérida. He made it clear that flashy but hollow football has no place here. Instead, the squad should show complete commitment. The message was simple: the club does not chase the Brazil 1970s aesthetic. What matters most is hard work and consistency. Parras stressed that the players must leave everything on the field and that the fans should feel every ounce of effort in every moment of play.
The latest run of results at El Collao has tempered confidence. Across eight league matches at home this season, Alcoyano has won three times, drawn twice, and fallen in defeat three times. The fortress that once defined the venue seems to have loosened its grip, challenging the team to rediscover its best form on familiar turf.
Vicente Parras: “A first round under 25 points is very rare, you have to add yes or yes”
Parras insisted that playing at El Collao should feel straightforward for the team. The pressure, he explained, should not weigh the players down but rather push opponents to their limits through relentless effort shown in every match. The real issue, he added, lies inside the squad’s own consistency. Regular performances are essential, regardless of the opponent. The focus remains on steady results rather than chasing glamour or headlines.
He also dismissed the idea that Mérida’s relegation position should change Alcoyano’s approach. The emphasis stayed on respecting every rival, since Mérida has individual talents that can trouble teams if concentration slips. Parras noted Mérida’s recent win away at Intercity and a draw in Ceuta, underscoring that form can mislead and that visitors can still hurt strong teams when they are not fully prepared.
Agüero: “We need to be strong in El Collao in the second round”
The commentary echoed by the opposition press pool underscored the urgency of the clash. The report highlighted Mérida’s recent managerial change as a spark that can bring fresh ideas and new dynamics. The visitor’s squad is known for standout individuals and a talent for seizing opportunities when space opens up. The analysis emphasized that Alcoyano must stay alert and execute a disciplined plan to neutralize threats as the season unfolds.
Regarding personnel, the article noted several players becoming available after suspensions or injuries. Specifically, José Lara returned to the squad following a sanction. Raul Alcaina, who had been sidelined by injury, was set to come back. The report suggested that winter signings Jean Paul N’djoli and Rafa de Palmas could inject new energy into the squad, potentially affecting upcoming selections and how the team lines up in the near future.