Giráldez Stresses Patience: “Much Work Still Ahead”
Claudio Giráldez asked his squad to stay focused on Sunday’s game. Giráldez stresses patience, saying there is much work still ahead.
Priority: Secure Safety
The coach insisted the team must aim for stability first. He set a target of 43 points to guarantee safety.
Giráldez said victories should be pursued to reach virtual permanence. He rejected talk of Europa League hangovers or Champions dreams.
Tactical view of Alavés
Giráldez warned that Alavés fight to avoid relegation. The opponent changed manager recently to Quique Sánchez Flores.
He described Quique’s plan as clearer in building from a back three. Defensively, Alavés press aggressively and often close up high.
Alavés also switch to a five-man defensive shape. They use direct balls to Boyé and Toni and rely on left-sided crosses.
Celta’s plan is to escape early pressure. Giráldez urged patience to break down a low, compact 5-3-2 block.
Player availability and options
The squad lists three midfield absences for the match. Giráldez said the group has internal solutions.
Sotelo has trained most with the first team and is the most specific cover. Other options include Antañón, Álvaro, Mingueza, Yoel, Hugo, and Manu.
Carlos Domínguez is a strong candidate to return. He impressed versus Girona but has lacked continuity due to injury and limited rotation.
The coach named additional left-foot options. Mihailo, Álvaro, Yoel, Manu, and Aidoo can provide different profiles.
Antañón, Burcio and other absences
Andrés Antañón is promoted from the B team into the squad. He has done the most sessions recently with the first team.
Burcio returned from injury with Fortuna and needs match minutes to regain rhythm. Dela remains injured and Óscar Marcos is suspended.
Familiar faces on the opposing side
Alavés include two former Celta youth players. Jonny Castro Otto and Denis Suárez are having strong seasons.
Giráldez acknowledged their affection for Celta. He also stressed they are professionals and will be tough opponents.
Scheduling and European context
Celta requested moving the Valencia match to Saturday. LaLiga denied the request, so it remains on Sunday.
Giráldez preferred to discuss the scheduling after the Alavés match. He asked not to dramatize the calendar.
The coaching staff reviewed Freiburg’s recent games. Freiburg led parts of the Europa League and scored five in a round-of-16 tie.
He warned that Freiburg will be a very difficult tie if Celta reach the quarter-finals.
Reporting for Filmogaz.com.
