Amador Zarco: «We are going to have to give 200% to neutralise them»

CD Teruel travel this Saturday 19 September, at 16:30, to the Estadio Cerro del Espino to face Rayo Majadahonda on matchday four of Primera Federación. Goalkeeper Amador Zarco spoke ahead of the game with a clear message about the side's aim in the Madrid region: “We are approaching it with the excitement and the ambition of bringing the first three points back to Teruel.”

The goalkeeper explained that the week's work has been aimed at cleaning up the details that have punished the Teruel side at the start of the league campaign. “We have spent all week working on this match, trying to correct mistakes we have made in these last three games so that we can go there and take three points,” he said, before pinpointing where there is room for improvement: “We have to be more solid in certain details, above all at set pieces, and sharpen our finishing in front of goal.”

On the mood in the dressing room after the last two defeats, Zarco conveyed calm and perspective. Referring to the three matchdays already played, he said: “I think the team is fine morally. We are aware that it is matchday three, that we cannot make certain mistakes, but we still have time to correct them.” The goalkeeper framed the start of the season as a natural process of adaptation to a new project: “Every team has its own rhythm. There are teams that adapt very quickly, where everything runs smoothly from the off, and there are times when that does not happen. In our case we have not started as we would have liked, but I believe the team is going to improve little by little.”

Analysis of the opponent took up a good part of the press conference. Zarco warned of the potential of a Rayo Majadahonda side that grows in front of their own supporters: “We expect a side that will be very bold, especially at home, with a very good touch on the ball. Even though they are a direct rival, they have plenty of quality and plenty of talent, and we are going to have to give our 200% to neutralise them.”

Asked whether the need to win is beginning to bite after three matchdays, the goalkeeper played down any hint of anxiety. “The urgency and the desire are the same as on matchday one. Taking three points is our priority every weekend, but if it is not possible or we have not managed it, then we think about the next one with the same urgency for the following game,” he stated.

The calendar brings CD Teruel two fixtures of particular significance in the coming weeks, but Zarco made it clear that the dressing room is looking no further than Saturday. “We are staying focused on this Saturday. There is no doubt that two beautiful matches follow, but the priority is this weekend and we have everything invested in this weekend,” he concluded.

The goalkeeper also assessed the setting for the match, a pitch in excellent condition that invites teams to play. “Anything that means good facilities and good pitches suits us perfectly, we love it. I think the team also loves having the ball when it can, and we have the players for that,” he finished.