"With the exception of the game against Almería, we have played really well in the rest of the games. The feelings we had after losing in Girona are bitter-sweet. We know face a team who have six more points than us having scored the same number of goals, and they are in play-off places", said Pepe Mel. "We need to improve in the final third. I am sure that when we get Rubén Castro, Araujo, and Benito back in December we will be better. Maikel Mesa may be back before that, but we must be patient. We are putting together a solid side, with young players who are growing into the team. This is what attracted me to the club and was what we spoke about two months before I re-signed", he pointed out.
Concerning tomorrow's rivals Albacete Balompié, he stated "they are playing in the same way, but we know how to hurt them". As for the team's lack of goals, he didn't wish to focus too much on the problem "so as not to make it a chronic problem". He said that Jonathan Viera is getting fitter by the day and the longer he remains on the pitch their rivals "have to make other kinds of decisions".
With regard to Pedri being called up for the Under 17s World Cup in Brazil, Mel stated that "At UD Las Palmas we are proud that our players can be considered for selection. We cannot block the path for Pedri to go to the World Cup. As a trainer I am selfish, not only do I not want Pedri to go to the World Cup but like Fati (the young FC Barcelona player) he is here with us and helping us".
He also said that Nosa will be training with UD Las Palmas over the next few weeks. "Nosa will be here after the match against Lugo. He is sorting out his paperwork, that is what I have been told by the sports management team. He is not a defensive pivot", he pointed out concerning the African footballer who was at Real Betis a few seasons ago.
