Luis García Plaza says he expects Albacete BP to provide a tough challenge ahead of our trip to Estádio Carlos Belmonte on Friday evening.
We travel to the peninsular on the back of two consecutive victories and top of the table by three points, although with our hosts for Matchday 24 yet to lose this year, the boss is wary of an in-form opponent and having to rotate following injuries to Joan Sastre and Fran Gámez.
"It’s important to beat Albacete and go into the match with RCD Espanyol with a three-point cushion," he told journalists via a remote press conference. "Albacete BP have been the best team in 2021 having taken 13 points from the the last 15 possible points available. It is a team that has become very strong defensively and is comfortable waiting from there. It's going to be a very difficult three points.
"We have several options at right back. I'm considering resting Martin because he has four yellow cards and having Franco play at centre back. Antonio, Lago or a left-back with a right foot could play at there, but that option is more complicated. I'll be very grateful to whoever finally plays."
Having closed out the transfer window with the loan departure of Álex Alegría and three new signings in Álvaro Giménez, Víctor Mollejo and Koke Vargas on deadline day, the boss gave his thoughts on our January activity.
“I expect a lot from Álvaro Giménez, who together with Abdón and Marc Cardona, will contribute in the goalscoring area. Víctor Mollejo has a very different profile to the ones we had, because he is a player who can play in the three attacking positions. Koke Vargas comes to reinforce the goalkeeping and provide competition. I think we have improved the squad.”
