“It is true that, on paper, we fight for the same goals. I expect a solid team, well worked, they are achieving good results but by the minimum. They are very well compensated and have a lot of quality on top. They will put us in difficulties, for sure, “said Alavés coach Javier Calleja about Real Mallorca, this Saturday's rival in Mendizorroza.
Regarding his team, he assured that “we should not give away defensively and then we have to have personality when it comes to taking the initiative. We are not going to speculate, we have to have a balance between the defensive and offensive phases. Let the rival be the one who wins it and not that we give them anything. We must not obsess but we must be reliable on a defensive level. Mistakes hurt me, “he added.
The coach analyzed the arrival of Matt Miazga, the team's new center-back. “I hope he will compete with the players we have in the squad. He has a good ball exit and is a duel winner due to his physical characteristics. Surely it comes plugged in and wanting to add. When the games are even, these types of players help you a lot, “he said.
Regarding the departure of Lucas Pérez, he commented that “he is a great footballer and it is clear that we will make some incorporation in that position. We lost a great striker, with good set pieces and very good conditions. But talking about those who are not there is wasting a bit of time. You have to talk about those who are or who can come, “he added.
Calleja sent a clear message to his players. “We must repeat what we did the other day against Real Madrid, not go crazy about the final result. It is important that we do not wage individual wars. The idea is to maintain the line of the first part, avoid what happened to us in the second part and take what we did in a while to 90 minutes “.
Regarding the incorporations in the winter market, he acknowledged that “In the core we are looking for a complete player and up front a striker that can complement those we already have now. The departure of Lucas Pérez forces us to reinforce that demarcation. ” He also spoke of Manu García Alonso. “He seems like a great player to me, He has discretion with the ball and likes to have the ball in his power. In addition, he is very good at pressure after loss. He will have a lot of prominence with me throughout the season. “
The one who aims to leave in the short term to leave a gap in the workforce is the Japanese Taichi Hara. “Soon there will be news because the club is talking to him and you will soon know what can happen”, concluded. Two other footballers who, in theory, will not continue in the first team are Carlos Isaac and Saúl García. They are looking for assignments.