GARCÍA PIMIENTA: "IF YOU WANT TO MOVE UP THE TABLE, YOU NEED TO WIN THESE GAMES"

Xavi García Pimienta spoke to the media after the draw against RCD Mallorca, a match in which he regretted the missed chances: “I think the team played well. We took control, we created enough chances to score a second goal, and I think that if we had managed to do so, the match result would have been decided.” Regarding the controversy surrounding the equaliser, he said, “The referee didn’t see it as a foul, nor did he call it. The line between what is a foul and what isn’t is very thin, and sometimes those decisions cost you points, as happened today. It’s a shame, because the team did a magnificent job throughout the match.”

Then, he was asked about Saúl Ñíguez and Kike Salas: “Saúl was very good, he’s a player with a lot of experience and I’m sure he’ll finish the season excellently. I’m very happy for Kike, every time he’s played, he’s done very well, especially today, getting himself a goal.” Our Head Coach also referred to the importance of improving home performances: “To take the next step, you have to be very strong at home and, of course, pick up points away. I think the team is competing well away from home, but if you want to be higher up the table, you need to win these games. Today, for example, we were better than Mallorca, but we didn’t take advantage of our chances."

Despite the draw, García Pimienta remained optimistic for the future: “The team played very well and created enough chances, but in the final minutes, Mallorca found an equaliser. We need to keep working hard and prepare for the next match, which will be very tough against a team like Rayo Vallecano. We have 13 matches left and many points still to play for, so I have no doubt that the team will continue to fight.”