Sergio Gonzalez's press conference this Thursday had a star theme: Takefusa Kubo. The Japanese, linked to Valladolid, will finally play for Mallorca. The Real Valladolid coach washed his hands in this regard, ensuring he had not even been able to think about him.
"I have nothing to say about Kubo. I have not been given the option of being able to value Kubo. Everything you and Pedrerol have said, you are giving an importance ... ", said Sergio, when questioned by the Japanese Real Madrid player.
He said it was the player's decision, not his. "It seems like he wanted to go there. He has given an opinion, a bit of information which he has not come here, then, Kubo has decided to go to Mallorca, he will have asked for his advice to go there," he said.
But the press conference covered more topics. Because Valladolid play this Saturday at Bernabéu, a stadium that is historically bad for them, but which comes with high of morals after winning Betis at Villamarín.
"We are looking forward to it, with an important reinforcement after the victory of the other day, knowing that we did not have a great game, but that it was correct, but we know that we can do better," he explained.
Nevertheless, Sergio was critical of his team. "With a positive reading, when you win you work better, the players have more desire to listen to you, to hear the possible solutions to the game. The victory is a reinforcement, but we were not the Valladolid we want to be," said the coach.
"It is always easier to grow from a victory than from a defeat. With the game we have now it is not even necessary to have a talk with them. It is a very motivating match against an elite rival, from the top, we want to compete, as always, as a team, "he added.
Last season Valladolid played very well at Bernabeu, but were defeated 2-0. "It helps us to take away the fear of playing at a big place such as Bernabeu. Not to have such a feeling of submission," he said.
"We have to look balanced, to know that we are capable of doing well, but Madrid are a very strong rival, although we are as good as last year, we have a smaller squad now", he continued.
"At the end of the day, we know the strengths and weaknesses that we have, and there are a lot. We have to try and lessen them and, why not, have the nerve to go for goal so that they also see that they have to run back, that they get nervous," Sergio also said, about the visit.
He denied being hurt by defeat. "No, I was mad, like everyone else. It was an undeserved defeat, but I am left with what was seen on the pitch. I think that if we do the same this year, we will surely return with a smile," he explained.
He was questioned next about the injuries that both teams have. "I speak for mine, and they are two very important players. Sandro has come very well, eagerly, with great enthusiasm, humility, looking protagonist, but Enes Ünal can supply it well," he replied.
"The theme of Rubén Alcaraz is a more complicated position because we do not have a player with the profile like he has, he is the anchor of the team, but we have other players who want to show us things," said the Valladolid coach.
And he ended up hoping he could get something positive out of the 'fued'. "We always prepare to win a game, we look for the weaknesses of the rivals to convince the player that he can win," he replied.
"I think we have to think about playing ours, combining inside, outside, opening the field and knowing that defensive vigilances are super important," Sergio said, finally.