Kiko Ramírez: «I cannot fault the team for anything»
Kiko Ramírez spoke in the Mini Estadi press room after the 2-0 defeat to Villarreal B on matchday eight of the Primera Federación. The Rojillo coach regretted that the point slipped away in the closing minutes, congratulated the opponent and highlighted his players' effort.
«What a shame. A very solid performance for 87 minutes», the coach said right at the start. «We could have drawn and we lost. I think the team put in a huge defensive shift against a demanding opponent that had the chances and the ball in our half. It is a shame, because we had practically secured a very valuable point and we leave with a 2-0 that I think is a bit harsh, given when the two goals came». Even so, he focused on the positives: «I am happy with the effort. We nearly got a point».
The coach stressed the team's philosophy: «We have to go out to win every match, with our weapons and with a lot of respect for the opponent's, which in this case are very powerful in attack». He acknowledged that he still needs to analyse the goals calmly, but was clear in his assessment: «I cannot fault the team for anything. They defended very well, and it is normal that, when you defend for the whole game, the opponent creates chances and, with their quality, beats you. If they had scored in the first half we would be talking about something else, but because they scored at the end you are left with a bittersweet feeling».
Kiko Ramírez had words for the opponent and for his own players: «All I can do is congratulate Villarreal, who deserved to win the match, and congratulate my players, who stood up to them for almost 90 minutes». He explained that the dressing room is «gutted, because they put in a huge effort and ran a lot», but with their eyes on what comes next: «Our battle is a different one. We have to be strong at home and try to get something away. We have to look ahead, turn the page and focus on our own league».
Asked about the difference compared with the win over Alcorcón, the coach pointed to small details: «Alcorcón also had a lot of chances, but luck was on our side and we reached the 90th minute 1-0 up. It is not the same to get there at 1-0 as at 0-0. This point would have felt like a win for us, because it was away from home and against a great opponent». He closed with a clear idea about the team's path: «We are a team that is going to live on the tightrope, as they say, and we have to get used to surviving on that tightrope». CD Teruel will host Águilas FC next Saturday, 24 October, at 18:45 at the Estadio Pinilla.
