GARCÍA PIMIENTA: "WE ARE GOING TO PLAY A COMPETITIVE TEAM TO TRY TO WIN THE GAME"

Head coach Xavier García Pimienta spoke ahead of tomorrow's Copa del Rey opener against Las Rozas CF. He began by saying "We are heading into the game with a lot of ambition, knowing what this tournament is like and that there are many surprises in the knock-out games. There is no margin for error. We're going to play a competitive team to try to win the game, knowing that it can be a long journey but with not so many games." 

 "A lot of academy players are involved in training and they are knocking on the door. Some of them will travel tomorrow but we have to remember the rules about first-team players in the line-up. They are going to come and they are going to play. We need that energy and we know they are ready. They're playing well also with the reserve team," he continued.

"We can't give up on anything but we have to be realistic" 

He also stressed: "I see the players with the necessary ambition, knowing where they are and what the badge represents. We can't give up on anything but we have to be realistic. We have 15 points, not even 50%, that's the reality. We have to be competitive, and ambitious and get to the next round. If we go through the rounds, we'll see where we get to, but we have to aim to win every game."

"Tomorrow Álvaro will play, he only played 25 minutes the other day and has only been playing for a short time. There is enough time to rest until Sunday, so he will continue to play. We have total confidence in Alberto and we'll see in the next tie if we have other options, depending on if Nyland is back," he said on the goalkeeping situation. 

"There are players who deserve to play and who haven't had as many opportunities" 

"Tomorrow there will be changes. There are players who deserve to play and who haven't had as many opportunities but in no way is it an A or B team. Everyone is prepared and ready to play. Tomorrow we will play a competitive team to try to get the win."