QUIQUE: "THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO PLAY FOR, WE JUST HAVE TO CONVINCE THE PLAYERS OF THAT"

Quique Sánchez Flores, our first-team head coach, spoke to the media this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's home match against Cádiz CF. He started by saying "we expect to be on our best tomorrow, we have to be able to fight against a hard-working team that has a clear goal. But we also have our own objectives to play for - we must keep pushing up the table and building on the hard work that has put us in a situation where we're not nervous going into the final few games of the season. There is always something to play for, we just have to convince the players of that."

"I hope that we're able to get back on track and build upon the good run we had before the Villarreal game. We have to fight for the fans, for the badge, and for ourselves. We still have plenty to prove as individuals, and I'm sure the players feel the same way. We have faced a lot of criticism throughout the season, the majority of which was completely justifiable, but now we want to show what we are capable of. Now is not the time to take a step backwards, it's important that we finish the season strongly, especially at home in front of our fans," he continued.

"We will only get a positive result if we give 100%"

With regards to the opponents, Sánchez Flores said "I don't think Cádiz will change their game plan. They'll continue to play with intensity and defend resolutely, attacking directly and sending many crosses into the box. They will do what they do best and whoever comes out on top in the 50/50 battles could dictate the rhythm of the game. We're expecting a tricky game where we could be under a lot of pressure; we'll only get a positive result if we give 100%."

Finally, he discussed the role of the academy players in this year's campaign. "Having Ramos and Navas with us this year has been crucial in the development of our younger players, especially those who have come through the academy system here. The team needs players that understand what the club is about; they are the glue that brings everyone together. And the fans recognise that having home-grown players is essential. The likes of Isaac, Juanlu, Kike etc have all developed massively this year."