First team

CAPARRÓS: 'WE HAVE TO BE AT OUR BEST BECAUSE RAYO WILL BE'

24/04/2019

The coach confirmed that Jesús Navas will be in the squad and that André Silva and Gonalons are in the final phase of their recovery

Joaquín Caparrós spoke this Wednesday before tomorrow's match against Rayo: 'This is the most important game. They are three vital points. They are also important for Rayo and we will have to be at our best because Rayo will be.' Regarding the injury room, he confirmed Navas' recovery but ruled out Gonalons and André Silva: 'Both of them are in the final phase. They are two important players but they remain injured. André is still in pain and was back for Valladolid but he had a setback. It's not something mental as he is desperate to play and we expect a lot from him, now and in the future. He is committed to the cause 100% but the pain in his knee is preventing him from getting out on the pitch.'

The coach wouldn't state whether or not he preferred to play team's fighting to stay in the league: 'It is what it is. What I prefer serves for nothing. There's a lot at stake for them just like for us. Sunday's game is another topic and we can't distract ourselves because Paco Jémez is a top coach, full of experience and he knows how to motivate his players. It will be a tough game.' Furthermore, he was asked about Ben Yedder and that he hadn't scored in the past five games: 'It's a run of form. Strikers are streaky but he always is full of desire and determination. What he knows to do is to score goals and he will keep doing so.'

Caparrós denied that fourth place was easier to get this season and stated that the favourite was the team currently occupying the spot: 'Getafe are ahead at that moment but there are 15 points to play for and there are a bunch of teams fighting for the spot.' And although the end is coming, there is still a lot to play for: '15 points is a lot but you journalists focus on the now. Three points now are worth just as much as three points at the start of the season, although it is hard to recover from errors at this stage of the season.'

'Paco Jémez is experienced and knows how to motivate his players - it will be a tough game'

The manager was asked about the refereeing decisions on Sunday: 'I'm not going to get into that. We are focusing on tomorrow's game. We are professionals and we all have to do our work the best we can.' He also mentioned the club's reaction in this respect: 'We have to focus on playing. Things can be done but it's not something you go about announcing with a megaphone. We forget about the refereeing in the dressing room, we try to improve and get the three points.' He then went on to speak about his idea of good football: 'We all look for balance between the offence and defence. Everyone has their own interpretation but one thing above all others is the quality of the player.'