Vicente Parras: “If I have to die, I will die with my ideas”
Alcoyano’s head coach Vicente Parras set a bold expectation for the club as the first part of the season closes. He emphasized the need to secure two home wins, against Mérida and Antequera, to reach 25 points and stabilize the campaign. The message was clear: anything less would leave the squad facing mounting pressure in the rounds to come, and forgetting this target could complicate their immediate and longer-term plans.
There is a belief among the coaching staff and players that hitting 25 points in the first phase would frame the rest of the season differently. Achieving that mark would not only relieve some early-season tension but also reduce the number of emergencies the team must navigate in the second round. The emphasis is on building momentum and turning home fixtures into a foundation for strength, rather than allowing the schedule to dictate the mood of the squad.
Parras noted that the team has endured a turbulent week, marked by a stretch of three consecutive defeats. He highlighted that the squad had performed closer to expectations only when the situation demanded it most, likening the period to a crisis where players dug deep. The contrast between the subdued performance in more comfortable moments and the sharpened focus during adversity served as a catalyst for a broader discussion about consistency and resilience as the club approaches a pivotal stretch of fixtures in early 2024.
Agüero: “We need to be strong in El Collao in the second round”
As the calendar turns, the focus shifts to the decisive home venue and the need to convert opportunities into results at El Collao. The group agrees that sustained strength in front of their supporters will be essential for navigating the second stage of the competition. The message from the coaching staff is unified: performance cannot be episodic or contingent on rare moments of intensity. Instead, the team must embrace a daily standard of organization and competitive determination, everywhere and at all times.
Improve after the break
In assessing the first half of the season, the emphasis is on consistency and improved execution across all phases of play. There is a recognition that a lack of steady organization and a fluctuating level of competitive intent were the principal shortcomings. The coaching team has outlined a plan to elevate the team’s standards, ensuring that the squad maintains a high level of focus during every training session and every match.
Parras stressed that after the Christmas break the team must begin applying better practices from the first whistle. The current situation presents a low point that demands a proactive recovery, with an emphasis on collecting points regardless of the opponent or venue. The league’s tight standings mean every match carries weight, and there is a shared conviction that complacency must be avoided at all costs. The plan involves tightening structure, improving defensive rigidity, and sharpening attacking transitions to create more consistent scoring opportunities.
There is a practical understanding that the road ahead will test depth and character. The staff is tasked with maintaining a forward-looking mindset, while the players are encouraged to trust the process and execute with clarity. As the campaign moves forward, the club aims to translate potential into tangible results, building confidence both on and off the pitch. The conversations among players and coaches stress that progress will be measured not only by points but also by how well the team adheres to a shared philosophy under pressure.