Míchel Discusses Team Dynamics and Upcoming Match Against Espanyol

Míchel commenced the press conference by clarifying his earlier remarks regarding the incident that led to Lass’s expulsion during the match against Aimar Oroz. Ahead of the upcoming match against Espanyol, he emphasized how the two consecutive victories to conclude the first half of the season have bolstered his players’ confidence, bringing them to a total of 21 points and establishing a four-point cushion above the relegation zone. Despite the challenges faced, he expressed pride in his team’s performance.

The Vallecas coach commended Manolo González for transforming Espanyol into a solid and consistent team with numerous strengths. Nevertheless, Míchel anticipates a strong performance from his squad to tackle the difficulties they may encounter during the match.

Míchel expressed disappointment regarding the delay in Echeverri’s registration, attributing it to the still unofficial transfer of Solís to Birmingham due to bureaucratic issues. He remains optimistic that they will resolve this matter in the coming hours, allowing him to include the Argentine player. He confirmed the team’s absences including Solís, who has the club’s permission, Lass, who is suspended, and injured players Portu, Van de Beek, Ounahi, Witsel, and Abel Ruiz.

Regarding the team’s condition, Míchel stated: “We have long-term absences with Portu and Van de Beek, along with Ounahi, Abel Ruiz, and Witsel, the latter two nearing a return. We will evaluate their situations as they progress. Ounahi is currently injured and in Morocco, and Lass is suspended.”

On the subject of Lass, Míchel said: “After the press conference, I reviewed the play and found it was a situation where both players were fighting for their teams. I may not have expressed myself perfectly, but Lass will surely learn from this experience. We have seen that when the team is under pressure, we can rely on him due to his positive response.”

When asked about the squad selection, he refrained from disclosing it, citing the need for one more training session and the presence of players with minor injuries. He noted that Solís’s exit is nearly finalized and they are awaiting paperwork for Echeverri.

“There’s a distinction between competition and the needs we have,” he stated. “We must separate this from the market; I do so, and the club does too. We are in need of players in the midfield, and the sporting management is actively working on this.”

Míchel expressed optimism about being able to include Echeverri in the squad. On Ounahi’s recovery, he remarked: “We are in touch with the medical staff in Morocco and are following his recovery process closely. There has been much misinformation circulating on social media.”

Discussing Espanyol, Míchel acknowledged the impressive work by Manolo, noting, “They are experiencing what we went through, being at the upper end of the table, effectively attacking the goal, and being aggressive in the final third. My primary concern is ensuring my players understand their roles and are prepared to dominate the game despite the challenges posed by the opposition.”

He characterized the upcoming match as less tense, stating, “It’s a special game, as everyone knows, but it’s just that. Both teams need the points to achieve their respective objectives—Espanyol to maintain their position at the top and us to climb the table.”

Finally, Míchel reflected on the team’s resilience during difficult times, emphasizing the importance of sports culture within the club’s project. He stated, “I have a clear vision of football and the culture I want for my players—taking care of themselves, understanding their roots, and embracing strong values. During hard moments, each player has prioritized the team’s welfare over their own. I am also grateful to the fans for fostering a sense of belonging, allowing us to suffer and celebrate together.”