Daniel González: «I want to keep improving, I want a competitive team»
Daniel González spoke to the media ahead of the match against Atlético Madrileño on matchday twelve of the Primera Federación, on the same day the club confirmed that he takes over as head coach. The Rojillo coach was grateful for the club's confidence and made it clear that the daily routine does not change: «In the end, we keep working. We are very clear about the path to follow, and if this helps bring a bit more stability to the dressing room and the club, and helps good results come, then it is welcome».
On his relationship with the squad, he was emphatic: «I have had the dressing room's affection from minute one. I have always felt supported». On the absences, with Relu and Miguel Romera injured and Santi Borikó away with his national team, he explained that the team will be helped by the academy: «We are a short squad; we already knew where we stood. We will work with the lads who are available, and I am sure it will be enough for a lot». The player chosen is José Luis Calvé.
The coach insisted that every player is ready to play: «We all need each other. We need everyone to see that they can compete for a place; it is the only way to make the squad competitive. It is not a matter of dropping some and picking others. I wish we could field line-ups of 20 players». On the opponent, he highlighted their pace: «They are still very quick, very direct players who attack the space. We have our tools to counter that: we are clear about where they can hurt us and, above all, how we can hurt them».
Asked about the team he wants to see, Daniel González summed it up: «I want to keep improving on what you have seen these two weeks. A competitive team that knows how to manage the different phases of a match: what to do with the ball, without it, when we win it back and when we lose it». He added: «What we are missing is a win. With a victory the step forward would be even bigger, but I think we are very close».
During the week, the coaching staff have worked especially on set pieces and the attacking side of the game: «It is more a matter of concentration, of knowing how to switch on when the ball stops. And we want to hurt opponents even more: the other day we had seven shots on target and we want to double that». He also spoke about Bebé, who «is physically ready to start», and how he fits into the team: «We believe we can get a lot out of him».
Finally, the coach was convinced that the team must take what it has shown at Pinilla on the road: «I already notice a certain respect for the team. We have to carry that over as the away side, and we will do it for sure. The lads are fully aware». CD Teruel visit Atlético Madrileño this Sunday, 15 November, at 12:00 at the Centro Deportivo Alcalá.
