Big match” in Anoeta for Imanol Sheriff. The value of the victory is multiplied by Betis being the team that is ahead of Real in the table, according to the coach. It is the reason why he attaches the utmost importance to victory, leaving in the background the retroactive nature of two defeats that stung in the last two precedents, in which “there have not been so many differences”.
Hence Imanol relativize the identity of the opponent: “It doesn’t matter against whom, what matters to us is winning,” he says about the emerging rivalry with Betis. Although “a little more special” he does recognize that it is the game. For now, “because they are ahead and because if we beat them we will overtake them”. And besides, “I’m not going to deny it,” he says. Imanol“we do have a little more desire for them, but the important thing is to win the three points”, clarifies the Orio coach.
The analogous challenge for Real is to overcome a member of the noble zone of the League. “It costs a lot to win a game,” says Imanol. “There are teams from above that are not capable of beating those from below”, he points out, emphasizing that if the three points are added to the scoreboard “against direct rivals, that’s why we advance”, he acknowledges.
He is reluctant to release the Imanol press about what he has come up with to be victorious. We will have to wait to see if he repeats Martínez Valero’s plan. “Other times we have done the same, putting a winger inside or going down to the point,” he adds. “Every time I tell you that you will see it, I surprise you,” he jokes. “The team has grown a lot tactically. We have changed and given many nuances to the scheme in the matches ”, with him. “very good soccer players” and “very intelligent” in the opinion of Imanol.
There is chemistry between Rafinha Y Silva. “As long as they are well, depending on the rival…”, they can continue to share the spotlight as starters. Isaac Y Sorloth they form another novel start-up duo. “I see them both well. Sorloth is happier than Isaac for having put in”, he says Imanol, who declares himself in favor of nobody moving from Real in the summer. “I put my hand on fire for the entire squad and I would love for everyone to continue here”.