Eduardo Coudet Addresses Media Ahead of Crucial Betis Match

Eduardo Coudet addressed the media at Ibaia two days before a crucial match against Betis, which is vital for improving the team’s standing, as they find themselves in the relegation zone for the first time this season.

Regarding injuries, Coudet stated, “Everyone is fit except for Denis Suárez. He is experiencing some discomfort in his adductor, and we will need to assess him in the coming days.”

When discussing the week’s preparations, he remarked, “We are confident in our approach. It has been a productive week, and we are eager to play at home. We understand the urgency of securing a win, and we feel motivated.”

On the relegation battle, he noted, “The league table is very tight. This season is unusual, with the eighth-placed team only having 24 points, indicating that many teams are closely matched. We are in dire need of wins. Our last two defeats came against formidable opponents.”

Reflecting on his personal situation, Coudet expressed, “I remain calm and focused on improving our current predicament. We will be facing a strong opponent with a world-class coach. Our focus is on our performance, and the conviction of the team brings me peace.”

Coudet clarified his perspective on the upcoming match, stating, “This is not a final. I hope we reach a final one day because that would indicate our progress. Every match is crucial; at home, we have a stronger presence, and we need to deliver an exceptional performance against a high-caliber rival.”

On the topic of player transfers, he commented, “I do not discuss the transfer market. I am fully engaged with the players currently in the squad. I believe we play good football and possess many positive attributes.”

Coudet emphasized the need for balance, saying, “I must maintain equilibrium and highlight the positive aspects of this team. Our points average at the end of the first half of the season was the best in five years. We need to replicate last year’s strong second half to ensure our safety, which is our primary goal.”

Addressing the team’s recent struggles, he attributed the negative streak largely to a lack of finishing. “In our last match, we created opportunities to level the score. In the final 15 minutes, we pressured Atlético in their own stadium and generated clear chances. Unfortunately, it didn’t result in goals, and I do not seek to assign blame. I am focused on increasing our offensive output because the more opportunities we create, the more likely we are to score.”

Coudet expressed his confidence in the team, stating, “While this is not the ideal scenario, I have great faith in this group and their abilities. Most of the players have been here since last year, and they consistently rise to the occasion during challenging times.”

He dismissed negativity surrounding the team, saying, “I have never sought recognition. My focus is on working to improve my players, and I have seen individual progress among them, which is the primary goal of a coach beyond team objectives. I believe football has been somewhat unfair to us in terms of our points tally.”

Lastly, he addressed the situations involving Mariano, Maras, and Diarrá, clarifying, “I did not make the decisions regarding them. I informed Maras that he would not have opportunities, and though he had the option to leave, he chose to stay. In the cases of Mariano and Diarrá, they broke labor regulations, and the decisions were made by the players themselves. This will be the last time I clarify this matter.”