Javier Aguirre was on pre-match press conference duties ahead of our hosting of Rayo Vallecano. Find out what the boss had to say below:
On the Cádiz defeat: "It is one more reason to go out to win the match and distance ourselves from relegation. In addition, we have the chance to get closer to Rayo."
On bad form: "We are not at our best moment in terms of results. It won't be an easy opponent. In Vallecas they drew against with a penalty in stoppage time. We will try to play better with the ball which is our deficit. We are a solid group, we defend well, we are organised, but we are not good in the final third. That's where we have to improve. If we do that, we will improve a lot.”
On problems up front: "Larin is suspended. Muriqi is getting to his point of speed and movement without the ball which has given us results. Abdón has progressed from his sprain and will make the game. I have two attackers. We'll see how we play, but they're both healthy and strong."
On the relegation positions: "The first nine games we were in relegation for one or two games. We have not been there since. It's more than 60 games and it has an added value. The players know that and they like it. If we don't do our job, nothing is good. We can't depend on anyone. It's unpleasant and frustrating. We have to do our job, it's fundamental."
On Rayo Vallecano: "Francisco is very intelligent. He has maintained mechanisms that Iraola had with the ball. They have players with very good feet. Offensively they have a lot of things. We have to be very attentive. They are a very complete team. It's going to be a very even match. We have to play with intensity and concentration."
On the opportunity to play at home: "It's an important week for our future because we play two games at home. We have to take advantage of these two matches to get as many points as possible."
On absentees: "Larin is out due to suspension and Maffeo due to injury. Martin Valjent is out with a knee problem. If it were the last game, he would make it, but that's not the case and we have to take care of him. Raíllo gave us a scare with a concussion, but he's fine."
