Javier Aguirre was on pre-match media duties ahead of our clash with Deportivo Alavés as we looked to record our first victory at home this season. Find out what the boss had to say below:
On injuries: "Raíllo is fine. We only have the doubt with Maffeo, who has a bit of discomfort in the kneee. We have doubts about Maffeo and Gio. The rest are fine.”
On the importance of the match: "We have not been able to win at home, we have not been able to give a joy to the people and we have not done the job at home. The level of importance is not tangible from one to 10, but it is a very important match for the mood of the group and the people. It would be good for all of us to win.”
On Deportivo Alavés: "They play good football. Their style is not a melee or a closed game. We can adapt to that. They will come to play well with the ball. They have had great games, like at the Metropolitano or at Barcelona. It's going to be a game of having the ball and trying to play good football on our part.”
On support from the dressing room: "The players show me their affection and respect every day. They are professionals. They understand that things are not working, that they have their share of responsibility, but that I am the most responsible.”
On Luis García Plaza: "He is more than capable of praising the club because he had a great season here and experienced great nights. I appreciate him a lot. We have a very good relationship and a lot of respect.”
On Larin: "He puts in the effort. He puts everything he has. I feel like he hasn't found comfort on the pitch but this comes in spurts. With Valladolid he put it in the corner and here it went wide. We will keep trying. We have to give him support and backing. Fortunately Abdón is in a very good moment.”
On support from the board: "I have experience in this. The results are important. We are in an ugly, complicated area. I don't need that kind of public support. I have daily communication with Pablo Ortells, Alfonso Díaz and Andy Kohlberg. Personally, it is not something that worries me if someone from the board talks about my future.”
Van der Heyden: "He is the only one in the squad who has not had the minutes he should have. He is a player with many qualities, who came to compete mainly with Copete. With the arrival of Nastasic, who is also left-footed, we relegated Siebe a bit. I haven't found the space for him, even though he's a professional at the top level. Sooner or later he will play.”
