Javier Aguirre was on pre-match media duties ahead of our trip to Valencia CF. Find out what the boss had to say to journalists below:
On the match against Valencia: We drew here and it was complicated for us. El Pipo' is doing very well. He took young players, he had faith in them and this year they are doing very well. They are a dynamic, agile team, with a lot of youth.... we are going to suffer a bit, no doubt. We will try to play our game and continue to get points in the league, where we still have a deficit.
On being focused on LaLiga: We've managed to keep the team focused on the league. We know how to separate the two competitions. The most difficult thing has been to control the family and friends in terms of tickets, airplane, boat.... the pure and simple matter of football has been easy to control.
On the starting XI: I have a very clear line-up for Valencia. Then, once it's over, I'll think about the next game.
On Dominik Greif: Tomorrow it will be Dominik Greif and ten others.
On Antonio Sánchez's renewal: I think it's a great success for both parties. The club signs a boy from the island, from the youth academy, who loves the colors, and the player is assured of three years at his boyhood club. I am very happy for the club and for the player. It is striking how the club has changed, but football gives you these surprises. At the beginning of the season I told him he was going to play less. The boy stayed, endured and the rewards is his renewal. He showed me that he could be a RCD Mallorca and Primera División player, with or without transfers.
On his influence on the renewals: My opinion has not influenced the renewals. I don't get involved in that. If they ask me, I always answer, but I have never taken the initiative. That's what the sporting directors are for.
On missing players: Martin Valjent won’t make it. The three internationals arrived well.
On Pablo Maffeo: He's ready to have minutes. He's very good, but now it's my decision.
