The coach of UD Las Palmas, Rubén de la Barrera, emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the good momentum after the victory in the league opener to continue building the team he wants to see on the field.
The yellow coach analyzed the next opponent and expects to face a brave team, especially in their stadium. "Ceuta is a team that did well last year, that wants the ball and gets into the opponent's area a lot. They will demand a lot from us to contain that pressure, and we will have to stay focused," he stated.
De la Barrera believes the match will be different from the last game played by the Ceuta team and expects a more recognizable version of his opponent at the Estadio Alfonso Murube. "I don't expect the performance they had in Andorra. I expect something more similar to what they have done previously at home and more in line with what they were doing last season."
The coach emphasized the need for his team to understand the different moments of the game. "Each match has its own circumstances, and we have to be able to adapt to what happens there. Be vertical, but also recognize when it's time to pause and when we can accelerate," he explained.
In this regard, he recalled some aspects of the first match of the season. "The other day, we did well during some moments, and in others, we had to adjust, but that's normal. We are just starting the season."
These were some of his statements:
"From the start, we have to avoid what happened in the second half against Albacete. It's true that if that scenario arises, we have players who can cause damage in space, but I want control and stability. When it's time to run, let it be us and not them."
"We have to be aggressive to create goal-scoring opportunities, but also safeguard ourselves when we lose the ball."
"Sometimes we will be able to repeat, and other times we won't. What we want is to extend that good moment we experienced in the first half, knowing the difficulty of the league. We have to be reliable and competitive away from home."
"He brings important hunger and desire. He is a team-oriented player, speaks the language of the club and the team, and will surely help us."
"Marvin will miss a few games. As for the new players, except for Opoku, they can be available. We still have today's training session to finalize everything for the squad list."
"I am a coach, and my role is to work and improve everything we have. I am very happy with all the players we have. If an opportunity arises, it will be welcome, and if we stay as we are, I will be just as happy."
"The day-to-day work and the connection that exists among everyone are reflected. For example, it was evident in that second goal. Seeing how they celebrate the goal and who scored it reflects that connection. We have to nurture and maintain that daily."
"The academy players increase performance and the sense of belonging. The roots help, regardless of the career they have in professional football. The important thing is that they not only participated but also contributed. I am very happy for all of them."
"I see Rafa, despite his very young age, as a mature person who shows daily what he wants, which is to be a footballer. He demonstrates that he wants to keep improving."
"There is a very good mix being achieved between the experience of the more veteran players and the desire and freshness of the younger ones. I consider the former to be key. People like Álex, Sandro, Jesé, or Kirian represent the essence of what this is and are very responsible for everything that is being built."