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Loiodice: "The dynamic is good and there is very healthy competition, that is the most important thing in the locker room."

Enzo Loiodice spoke this Thursday to the media at the Barranco Seco Sports City, where he analyzed UD Las Palmas' strong start to the season and the preparation for the upcoming match against Burgos CF, which will take place this Sunday at the Estadio Gran Canaria.

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The French midfielder positively assessed the start of the yellow team, although he urged maintaining perspective in a long and demanding competition: "I think it's a good start to the season, since I've been here I don't remember a start as good as this year. But this is very long, we face a very tough opponent, it's going to be a challenge."

Loiodice highlighted the composition of a squad that combines experience and youth: "I see the team doing well, with many young players eager to learn and improve. We have a good mix and room to grow." In this regard, he pointed out that the goal should be to continue evolving, as "we have room for improvement in every sense."

Regarding Burgos CF, the yellow team player emphasized the need to be prepared for an opponent that can pose challenges in different phases of the match: "What we've seen is that Burgos is a team that plays directly, with quality players. We have to be solid, they can be very dangerous on the counterattack." He also recalled the good defensive work done in the last match: "When we don't have the ball, we have to know how to defend and compete, and we did that very well last match."

The midfielder also valued the contribution of young players who are gaining prominence in the first team. About Iñaki, he said: "I'm very happy for him, he's training like one of us. Now he has more prominence, but he's a very good player who brings different things."

Loiodice also highlighted the competition within the squad and the shared commitment: "Everyone is on the same boat, we want to win and fight to be at the top. The dynamic is good, and there is very healthy competition, which is the most important thing in the locker room."

Regarding his position in the midfield and working with different profiles, he explained: "Kirian has already played as a six during the First Division period. As I said before, we have different profiles. Iñaki is more of a positional profile, and I am more between a defensive and offensive role. It's a matter of complementing, and in the end, the coach is the one who decides. I feel very good playing with him and with Kirian."

The Frenchman also supported the work of Rubén de la Barrera and the focus on young players: "I think the coach is doing a top job today, and the youngest players deserve to play too." Regarding the demands of the environment, he added: "We know the fans are very demanding, and it should be that way because we want more. The people and the island deserve for the club to return to the First Division."

On a personal level, Loiodice explained that he is still regaining his form after his injury: "I'm coming back from an injury, I'm doing well. I've started to get into rhythm, and I didn't think I would have so many minutes. I'm very happy and enjoying every moment and every match." The player acknowledged that he still has room to recover his best version: "I'm like a kid returning to the field, I think I still lack some things, but I know it will come with time. I'm not going to push my body and physical condition."

Loiodice also spoke about his role as the fourth captain after the team's vote: "We held a captain vote, and that's a normal part of every year. I'm the fourth captain, but there are many players who could be captains." For the midfielder, the important thing is the collective commitment to the club: "Everyone cares a lot about this badge and behaves in an exemplary manner. That's important, that people feel identified with the badge."

The player especially valued the arrival of academy players to the first team: "I'm very happy that the academy players are making it to the first team, it's not a gift. They are competing very well, and we are going to help them. They have top behavior and humility, and I'm very happy for them." A relationship that, as he explained, works both ways: "They help us as we help them."

Regarding the team's progress, Loiodice insisted that there is still significant room for growth: "I don't think we've reached our peak yet. I wouldn't know the percentage, but we have a lot of room to grow. The journey will be long, but I think this year will be very positive. I see people eager to learn every day, and that's the most important thing."

He also had words for Nicholas Opoku, one of the team's latest additions: "Opoku has experience, he wants to play already, he feels appreciated in the locker room, and I think he will be important for us."

Finally, Loiodice spoke about his bond with UD Las Palmas and explained the reasons that led him to extend his time at the club: "When I arrived here, I didn't expect to stay this long. I didn't think I could love a club and its people so much. I renewed because I want this team in the First Division. My personal and club goals align." The midfielder added: "The people love me, and when you're in a place where you're appreciated, that's very important too."

Regarding his future, the player remained focused on the present: "I don't know what will happen in the future. I think I have about twenty-something matches left to reach 200, and reaching that number is a source of pride."