Giráldez Expresses Optimism Following Strong Team Start

Claudio Giráldez expresses his happiness regarding the strong start to the year for his team, particularly reflecting on the recent match against Rayo, the performance of Bryan Zaragoza, and his hopes for the continuity of Óscar Mingueza.

Regarding the team’s performance in 2026, Giráldez stated, “It is impossible to start better than this, with three consecutive wins in the league, including two at home. We have conceded only one goal in the last six league matches. The team is maturing and managing matches effectively with impressive gameplay and solid defense. We are very balanced, and today showcased a completely new approach. I am thrilled for the team and pleased to deliver another victory for our fans. I believe we are arriving at Thursday’s match in a strong position.”

When discussing the objective for the season, he mentioned, “Currently, we are focused on securing our top-flight status. It seems that everyone between 15th and 19th place has scored points except for Alavés. The fight for survival is intensifying. We currently have 32 points and need to secure at least 10 more. It appears that the battle for survival will be more challenging, but we are making progress. However, with 18 matches remaining in two competitions, we must stay grounded and take things step by step, as losing focus can lead to mistakes.”

On Bryan Zaragoza’s decision to take the penalty instead of Marcos Alonso, Giráldez remarked, “I am not upset about that. If he had missed, I might have felt differently. I celebrated the goal. There is a designated order, but ultimately, the players decide on the pitch. Marcos is usually the penalty taker, but Bryan was confident and has previously scored from penalties. He is not a novice in that regard. I am impressed by his performance, especially his efforts in the 90th minute, which boosts his confidence and allows him to showcase his talent. He has been intelligent in his movements and pressuring opponents, continuously contributing to both defensive and offensive plays.”

Addressing the chants of ‘Mingueza, stay,’ Giráldez noted, “I spoke to him after the match and asked if he heard the chants. He mentioned he had not noticed, so I made sure to inform him.”

Lastly, he conveyed his optimism, stating, “I have great confidence in my team, the club, the fans, and my coaching staff. Hard work pays off, sometimes sooner and sometimes later. As a coach, it is an idyllic situation that we are experiencing, filled with affection and trust in the team. While doubts may arise from some individuals, it is a natural part of football.”