Kiko Ramírez: «We are going out with our knives between our teeth»
Kiko Ramírez appeared in the press room at the Estadio Pinilla to preview the visit of SD Huesca this Sunday 27 September at 19:00, on matchday five of the Primera Federación. The Rojillo coach highlighted the dressing room's response during the week, again took responsibility for the start of the season and asked the fans to get behind the players in the season's first Aragonese derby.
The coach opened his press conference with a message about the work of recent days. «I have to be very honest: the team has surprised me enormously», he said, before explaining that the players have given everything they have to arrive in the best possible shape for such an important fixture. He said he was proud of the willingness, the attitude and the desire he has seen, and that it makes him optimistic.
Kiko Ramírez took the chance to repeat the apology he offered after the last match and again put himself in the firing line. He asked for his players to play free of pressure and for any doubts to be directed at the bench: «Whatever doubts people may have, let them have them with their coach, which is me. I take full responsibility». The coach insisted he wants to see his players calm and doing what they know how to do, and declared himself «200 % behind this dressing room».
On the opponents, the Rojillo coach recalled that SD Huesca were in the Spanish top flight not long ago and that this year they have put together a project to return to the upper divisions, in a league he described as very hard both for those chasing promotion and for those fighting to stay up. He showed respect for the Huesca club, but made his own position clear: «I defend Teruel, and we are going out with our knives between our teeth».
Asked about set pieces, which have shaped recent matches, he explained that the team has been self-critical and has worked on those situations every day. He believes the goals conceded came from avoidable moves and said he was convinced they will not happen again. Going forward, he recalled that the team had a goal disallowed against Real Madrid Castilla and that two efforts have hit the post: «Luck has to change and we have to do much more», he said, reassured because the team is creating chances.
The coach denied sensing pressure in the squad or in the stands and said he was grateful for the atmosphere at Pinilla, which he said has surprised him in home matches. On formations, he argued that the key is not playing with three or four defenders but the way the team defends and attacks in each area of the pitch, adapted to each player's characteristics.
On fitness, he confirmed everyone is available except Sander, who is already taking steps towards rejoining the group shortly.
The coach closed by appealing to the fans ahead of the arrival of around 300 Huesca supporters. He asked for a full Pinilla and for the derby, which has not been played for 22 years, to be enjoyed as a celebration: «Let everyone who can come, let them cheer, let them enjoy it and let us make this a special day for everybody». Asked about his own state of mind, he said he is «perfect» and «as super-optimistic as ever»: «I want to win, as we all do. I think we are very close».
