Analysing the point
“They were closer to winning than we were. After our first set-piece play, they got back into the game. We knew about the opponent's urgency, and they put us in a situation with a low block and bursts of pressure. From the 20th minute of the first half, we had a bit more composure with the ball. However, at the start of the second half, in the first 5-10 minutes, they outperformed us in terms of energy. With the three substitutions, we made adjustments and managed the situations better. They continued to press, and we lacked a bit of calmness in transitions and positional attacks, which would have helped us manage the opponent's anxiety. There is a positive aspect: in several instances, the team defended well, although we were a bit hesitant. We weren’t ourselves, not quite what we wanted to be, but this shows us a bit about the nature of the competition. We were solid in the area, but they reached the byline with too much ease. We needed to have a bit more possession and be more like ourselves. The positive aspect is that we are still earning points, and the team shows spirit, commitment, and effort until the very last moment, which is the most positive aspect of all. Especially considering the injuries we've had, other players have stepped up and are getting integrated into the team, helping us acclimate to the division as quickly as possible.”
Positive aspects
“We're showing remarkable solidarity and commitment. In attack, we’re doing many things well, but today we lacked continuity and consistency, partly due to the opponent's merit. They created attacking situations that forced us into a low block. That’s where we needed to be a bit calmer with the ball. When we had possession, we were able to cause them problems. I'm pleased because the commitment and work of the players is outstanding. The division is decided by small details. The positive thing is that we’ve earned a point and continue to add to our tally. We need to analyse and manage victories, draws, and defeats effectively. We must keep improving the areas where we weren’t strong today and continue to build on the team’s positive aspects.”
United, exemplary fans
“It’s a masterclass for society on what football is all about: passion, emotion, and bringing fans together. On the field, there is rivalry. Last year we experienced a situation with both clubs, but now we should focus on enjoying, competing, and appreciating the atmosphere. Both fanbases supported their teams without any incidents, showing that, once the match is over, we’re all the same. It’s a masterclass for a society that, lately, has been a bit fragmented.”
Reasons for the changes
“Both Carlos and Dani’s substitutions were requested by them. Haitam was also set to come off, and Castel or Izan could have been substituted as well. We need to adapt quickly to the category and the demands of each match. The other day, we lost two players due to their tremendous effort. We have to adjust rapidly because each game is worth three from last year in terms of physical and psychological demands. Additionally, we will have Copa del Rey matches and midweek fixtures, and that’s the process we’re in. Seeing the team’s effort, leaving nothing behind, makes me happy because the team is full of willpower. Until the very last moment, giving everything, that’s the commitment we want. We need to keep improving and adapting to these demands. Talent without physicality fades, so we need to balance both. We lacked energy, which is why we made the three changes. We wanted to press high with Roko and Luca because Dioni and Dani had put in a lot of effort without the ball. Also, since it was Yanis’s first game, and with Aaron, we aimed to create numerical superiority in the middle. We generated two or three actions that we were looking for.”
Pause, a key factor
“We knew perfectly well that they would press, and we couldn’t be predictable. We’ve overstepped in those situations; we need to play short to attract and create spaces. There were a couple of moments where we lacked timing and decision-making at the last minute, but we must avoid being predictable. We needed to control the second ball better, maintain composure, and avoid repeating three passes in the same area. We should have cleared the space to advance into the opponent’s half and establish that pause. The times we managed to do this were when we created our dangerous chances, in addition to the transitions.”