Quique: “This team has a hunter’s mentality”

What do you plan to do on the left side?

I don’t think Mathias has to force himself. We are not in favor of it. Mathías is not injured. He is tired from playing ninety minutes in a demanding game and from a relatively recent injury scar. The symptoms are good.

Seeing the classification Is this match more final than the previous ones?

It is an excellent day to meet with our people here, at a magnificent time, and give it all the importance it deserves. We did not change anything in our mentality from the beginning. We have only had a hunter mentality. We looked back and there was nothing and looking forward and there was everyone. From the first minute we have thought that we had to hunt to achieve objectives. At this point we are not going to put on a face of prey. Our mentality is strong. We come from competing well in difficult situations and we want to return to being that uncomfortable, aggressive team with a lot of energy that makes things very difficult and reaches the goal.

Does the change of coach confuse a lot?

We prepare the game with what we have known. Javier and Luis look very little alike. They know that this game is very important and they will try to arm themselves from minute one with their best energy. There will be things that are removed from the Luis method to move to the Javier method. We also know what happens in that first game in which the player tries to give one hundred percent to show the best to the new coach.

What value does the Coliseum have on Saturday?

The fan is aware of what we are experiencing in recent games. From Cádiz we have the feeling that they make it more difficult for us. Playing First Division games in such complicated settings forces us to appeal to the fans who are making an effort for the team from the start and are being very generous. We look forward to positive and abundant energy. It is what we experience every time we travel.

Mata’s injury has been known. What other problems do you have?

I thank Diego Alonso with whom I had a conversation. We asked him for a small favor and Diego granted it to us with Olivera. Mata’s loss hurts us a lot and it was avoidable. He will take the opportunity to stop by the workshop and will return healthy and soon.

Given the loss of Cuenca, is Gastón already a competitive option?

All players who train are options to play. There are Gastón, Cabaco and Okay. We have three options for a position and we have been thinking about it since we learned about Cuenca’s loss.

How is Vitolo?

Vitolo came out of training again and is not part of us. We treat him with love and care so that he plays minutes. He has come to games in which the players who come out are at a great physical level, while Vitolo comes in very limited conditions.