Pepe Mel: "We have worked on three different things"

Injured De la Bella misses the trip to Alcorcón, which has upset Mel's initial plans. "We have worked on three different things this week: three central defenders at the back, Eric on the left and Srnic on the right, as well as trying Benito in a wide position. Benito's position has both good and bad things about it, as he gets past players and shoots. I need to think about that" he stated. He realises that if he puts Benito in a wide defensive position he loses a quick, attacking player who can shoot. "In football the most natural thing is also the most simple. Sometimes footballers don't understand changes", he admitted.

The manager is also considering playing Juanjo Narváez from the start. "We are grateful to Juanjo Narváez. WIth the injury he has had to his face, most players would not have trained for three weeks, let alone played. He still doesn't feel comfortable with the mask on. We are thinking of giving him a week so he can become the important and essential player we are looking for. We are expecting a long-ball game with lots of headers and fouls in Alcorcón".

Tana is one of the new faces back in the squad. "I like the fact he has admitted his mistake. He is training as hard as the rest of the players. We are all humble at this club, nobody has a higher standing than anyone else. He is travelling with us because he is an asset to the team".

Mel says he feels calm at the moment. "The club has a calm atmosphere, the fans understand all the ups and downs we have had this season, and how things are going, and also what we can aspire to. I have accepted the situation: players are sold, we play the youngsters and we aim to reach 50 points and my project for the club is halfway there. My aim is for the club to be in the first division. What is important to me are the players, because they have to go out and perform. It all depends on them not falling away, that is the main thing", he pointed out.

He had words of praise for Bordalás: "I was lucky enough to have been a player under Bordalás at Benidorm. He trained me, even though we are the same age. I love everything he does. He trained several minor league teams. He hasn't been gifted anything, he has the idea that nobody is better than anyone else. The group prevails with him. He deserves everything to go well for him because he has set up his teams to play his style of football. He is a superb professional".