Ahead of Saturday's LaLiga opening game against Club Atlético Osasuna, Cádiz's assistant coach Roberto Perera addressed the media in the press room at the Estadio Carranza.
“Before we start, I'd like to send best wishes to the manager who has had the misfortune to have to spend this time at home for reasons we are all aware of. We miss having him around and his absence is even more noticeable in general day-to-day business. Our thoughts are with him and we all hope he makes a swift recovery", stated Perera at the outset of the press conference.
Looking back at a very different pre-season campaign: “It's been a difficult pre-season with plenty of setbacks to deal with. All clubs however are in the same boat and we've all had to deal with this strange situation. It is, however, a question of adapting to circumstances, accepting that things are the way they are and getting on with things as best we can.”
There is still plenty of time to manoeuvre in the transfer window: “We're still waiting for new players to come in. We've already spoken to the sporting director and are aware of just how the transfer market is currently. What we have is what we have and with these players, we'll put together the most competitive starting line-up possible, just as we always have.”
Thoughts on Osasuna. “They are a side who, under their current coach, play in an intense and aggressive manner, always looking to steal the ball in the opposition half. They use a high back-line and are threatening on the break and in dead-ball situations. They're not dissimilar to ourselves but we maybe don't press as high defensively, but we are both teams with a similar style.”
Will the absence of fans at the Carranza be felt?: “Playing at the Carranza has always been hugely important and something of a trump-card for us. Normally we might lose one game at home but during last season's restart, we only won once with no fans present. We always endeavour to make the Carranza something of a fortress but now it's very much a level playing field for both sides with the absence of supporters. We're all hopeful that fans will be allowed back as soon as possible with that reflecting a return to normality in all areas of life.”
Negredo is set to be a key figure: “The team will be almost identical to that of last season but with a few subtle differences. We're hoping that Negredo finds his feet quickly with our style and that he hits the ground running. We're anticipating that he will become a key player for us and are expecting him to be a major assist for the club.”
Will you remain faithful to the style of play now that you’re in LaLiga Santander? “For us, this is the way [to play] and will continue to be so. Tomorrow's game sees us take another step. We've always looked to meet our key objectives and securing promotion to the top flight was a major source of satisfaction for everyone. Now comes the most difficult part, which is staying up, but we’re relishing the challenge. We'll compete in every match by playing as a team, being strong defensively and always looking to move the ball forward quickly. We'll always look to threaten with set-pieces. It’s a tough challenge, but we'll continue to use our strengths.”
How important will you being on the bench really be?: “It’s not that important that I’m in the dug-out for this game. I'm in constant contact with the manager and it's a constant flow of communication. I'll take it for what it is. For those of us who started out in the game, it's a dream come true. Sometimes you feel it’s all so far away, but, God willing, it's an experience I'll get to enjoy.”
Keeping a clean sheet is vital: “In the top flight it's imperative to keep a clean sheet. It’s far harder to do so in Primera than in Segunda. Any team that knows they will be involved in a battle for survival should always aim to keep a clean sheet. The sensation from securing points after having not conceded is greater than having shipped a few goals. The teams that win the title in the top flight are generally those that have conceded least and this has to be a major driving force for ourselves.”
Do you have a message for Cádiz fans?: “I'd simply like to thank the supporters for the way they've responded to the team, the training staff and to myself. We'll give our all in every match in our endeavour to secure points so they can feel proud of us. I have nothing but words of gratitude for the fans”.
