Before heading to Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid in La Liga, Deportivo Alavés coach García Plaza spoke to the press.
Read below the full transcript of his interview with the press:
What are your feelings approaching tomorrow’s match?
It’s never easy to go to Bernabéu, they are champions and have reached the Champions League final. But they won 0-4 against Granada and in San Sebastian with less regular players. I think they will line up the first team to celebrate the championship title. We’ll see, but it doesn’t matter because they are very good.
What are your intentions before this match against the champions?
We will do what we have to do, try to play a good game and try to get something at the Bernabeu. Is everyone available except Sedlar?
I count on everyone, but I want to give moments to everyone who has worked hard during the year. We will make changes again and Jesús Owono will play the remaining four matches in goal.
Are rotations necessary at the end of the season?
They changed the date of the Getafe match to Saturday. There are risks of injuries and we need to minimize them. That’s why I have to make changes, players who weren’t there the other day against Girona will come in. About five players.
Were you upset when you were told about the change of day and time?
In the end, there is a unified schedule and some people have stakes and others don’t. It has to be understood in this logic. For us, the change is a satisfaction because it means we have already done our homework. Then, on Saturday, we will celebrate with our fans. It’s the right day and the right time to do it.
What kind of match do you expect tomorrow?
It will not be easy. Logic dictates that it will be a very difficult match. It’s complicated to reach higher positions, but we need to finish happy. You have to be competitive and try to enjoy the last matches because we have deserved it. The higher we finish in the standings, the better. Plus, it’s the right time for players to assert themselves on an individual level.
Does this final stretch of the season allow some players to show themselves as there is no longer as much tension in the competition? Certainly, Guridi scored two goals against Girona, Rioja scored a great goal that was broadcast on TV in all countries…
How should you play against the Madrilenians to have a chance?
I saw the match against City and we are going to imitate them, keep them inside. No, more seriously, we are not Manchester. We need to be competitive, work hard, and keep our identity. When we achieved virtual salvation, then we played very well. Whether in Valencia or here against Girona, we were at a very good level.
Will you give minutes to the whole group in the upcoming three matches?
Players who have worked hard all year now have the opportunity to justify themselves and show the coach that he was wrong this year to give them so little playing time.
The team has improved a lot in the last four matches, why?
The day against Granada affected me a lot. I reflected and came to the conclusion that we were not going to achieve things like that. I touched on some keys and we played very good matches, with 10 points out of 12 and playing against direct opponents or very difficult ones. But today, we no longer have as fresh legs as before.
What characterizes Real Madrid?
When they take the upper hand, they can do a lot of damage, but there are teams at our level that have managed to score there. They are going to celebrate the championship and we are going to respect that. They are building a team that will dominate the championship for several years. They have an incredible squad and it will be a motivating match. We have deserved to play these matches and we must enjoy them.
It’s possible they will have Mbappé next year, what do you think of him?
He’s one of the best players in the world, but that’s not for tomorrow; I’m concerned about those who will play tomorrow. We’ll see if he ends up in Madrid, which seems to be the case, or in another team.
Will Rafa Marín be available tomorrow without any problem?
Yes, he can play, he can play. He’s already done it here and tomorrow as well. The doctors haven’t told me anything that would make me change my mind, we count on him. I’ve already told him… Let’s see if he scores a goal and if it’s at the Bernabéu, even better.
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