Defender Fali Giménez spoke via video link to the media ahead of the game against Sevilla FC. “We’ve had a tough first half to the league, it’s really difficult to pick up 24 points in half a season in Primera División. The second half will be even tougher, and we’re focused on Sevilla, where there are three important points in play.”
Playing in the midfield. “It’s not new for me playing in the midfield, though it’s been a long time since I’ve played there. At Nàstic, Vicente Moreno used me there. Cádiz run a huge amount and I need consistency. I give everything I’ve got in this position, but I know I can do more because I still need to get back to my best. Playing week in week out is what helps you give even more in the games. What’s hard is that playing in defence you run less, but in midfield you run so much more. That first pass can be tough at times because you’re lacking oxygen, but I’ll get there if I keep playing in this position. I always want to play and to keep adding minutes on the pitch.”
Great teammates. “I always give one hundred percent, I try to give everything, after that things can turn out good or bad. I focus on giving everything. Having the teammates I’ve got makes everything easier. Playing with these players alongside me makes everything easier. I try to the best I can and help the team as much as possible.”
Next rivals. “Sevilla are fighting for different goals to us, but you know how football is. Anything can happen in football. It’s a tough game against a really big team. We’ve been capable of beating Real Madrid and Barça. We’ll go there with everything we’ve got, keeping it tight at the back and we’re going to try and pick up three points. We know it’s going to be difficult, but that’s just like every game in LaLiga Santander.”
Getting over fear. “I still have a lot of fear and a huge amount of concern for what’s happening. We need to think about everyone. We need to think about taking care of ourselves and if, between all of us, we can do things well and go out together, well, that’s what we need to do. We’re not playing with our lives, but the lives of others. I’m not ashamed of anything, I’m playing football thanks to my psychologist, because if it had just been me I wouldn’t be here. I’m grateful to the club and my teammates who didn’t give up on me. I owe so much to the club and my teammates. I’m so proud to be at Cádiz because it’s not a football club, it’s a family. It was all too much for me and thanks to the club and the professionals I’ve been able to win the battle.”
No lack of desire in the squad. “We’re a really competitive squad. Some have played in Primera before, but for many it’s our first time. We don’t have experience, but a lot of desire and ambition to stay up. We know we’re facing a tough second half to the league. We’re training as hard as possible day to day to be able to play. Everyone here is going to bring something to the table. Whoever doesn’t play, works their socks off in training so that whoever is playing can’t relax. Everyone gives their all in every training session.”
Praise for Álvaro Cervera. “The gaffer has given me everything. He got me out of Segunda B to play in Segunda and then in Primera. I’m so grateful. He’s given me the chance to play in Primera. Cádiz having 24 points is thanks to him, he’s got everyone firing on all cylinders, everyone follows him and he’s got the whole squad behind him. That’s really tough and he’s managed it. He’s the perfect coach for this team.”
