Daniel González: «I am proud that the team is growing»
Daniel González spoke in the Estadio Pinilla press room after the 1-1 draw with UD Ibiza on matchday eleven of the Primera Federación. The Rojillo coach was proud of his team's work, highlighted the figures from the match and regretted the goal conceded from a set piece.
The coach admitted that Ibiza's goal left a bitter taste: «We cannot be happy with that, because we are working on it and we see it in the videos: we knew Ibiza could bring a man in from behind and leave him free. In the end, these are the mistakes that make you win or lose a match». Even so, he praised the group's attitude: «I will take the team's effort, how they read what Ibiza were doing and the fact that we were up to the level of the match».
Daniel González gave several figures to explain the Rojillo performance: «We forced Ibiza to take 14 goal kicks, and we took only 5. And we won the duels, which was something we asked for last week and had not achieved. In that respect we were better than Ibiza». He added: «I am happy and proud that the team is growing. Our aim is to keep improving a bit more. There were some lapses and perhaps we still need to manage some phases of the game better, but that will keep growing, I have no doubt».
The coach detailed the game plan: «We were looking to adjust, try to win the ball and close down high up. Those 14 goal kicks mean we went to press high, and we won the long balls. Once in the opposition half, with them out of shape, we wanted to win the ball and hurt them. In that respect I am really happy». He also explained that the idea was to take the game to the end: «We wanted the lads who came off the bench to give us that final push to get the three points».
On individual players, the coach spoke about Bebé's debut: «We already knew he lacks match rhythm, but he is a player who knows exactly how far he can go. He had one of his trademark set-piece moments and some very good crosses». He also praised Hugo Redón's performance: «He had a great game. He is a complete box-to-box footballer, and if he wants, with all his physical potential and being such a good team-mate, this division is too small for him». He acknowledged that Relu and Álvaro López were missed, although he highlighted the work of those who played: «We cannot say anything about the lads who played; they helped a lot».
Asked about Nathanael's sending-off, Daniel González preferred not to stir up controversy: «The referee considered it a second yellow card. We have to focus on what we can control, not on external things». On the defence, he explained that the absences forced them to rebuild it, with Andrés Borge as the right-sided centre-back in a back three —«he knows that position perfectly and had a great game»— and Edu Gallardo at wing-back, a role he knows well from his years at CF Talavera. Finally, looking ahead to next week, the coach was clear: «We have corrected last week's mistakes. Today we made others, which we will work on so they do not happen again. That is how a team grows». CD Teruel visit Atlético Madrileño on Sunday, 15 November, at 12:00.
