Following the first leg of the promotion playoff final to Primera RFEF, where Real Jaén faced Atlético Baleares with a 2-1 scoreline, coach Manolo Herrero addressed the media with a sense of moderate satisfaction. Despite the win, Herrero aimed to temper expectations and avoid excessive optimism ahead of the decisive return match to be held at the Estadio Balear in Palma de Mallorca.

'I'm happy we're leaving with a win, but honestly, after what we saw in the game, the result feels a bit short. We had chances to score more goals, and then we had the misfortune of their goal, which was an own goal,' stated Herrero. The coach from Jaén highlighted his team's defensive solidity against a high-quality opponent: 'We allowed very little to a team with great quality. When they reached the final third, they have players with a lot of power.'

Regarding the upcoming match in Mallorca, Herrero was firm: 'The tie is slightly in our favor, but we still have to play there, where they are truly strong. Throughout the league, they have secured many points at home, and it will be a very complicated, very difficult match.' For the return leg, the strategy will be straightforward: 'We will approach the game as if we had drawn. We need to score at least one goal because, given their potential, it's very difficult for them not to score one at home.'

On the penalty incident converted by Agus Alonso in the 97th minute, Herrero supported the referee's decision: 'The referee didn't hesitate at all and had no reason to doubt the play. He must have seen it very clearly to award it, and if he saw it clearly, he awarded it, and that's that.'

Regarding the substitution of Marco Siverio, the coach explained that the forward has been dealing with Achilles tendon discomfort for some time: 'When he strikes with his left foot often, it bothers him a lot, and he was also very tired, so we didn't want to risk it.' The introduction of Agus Alonso was also based on tactical considerations, seeking greater strength in aerial play against a more defensive opponent.

Herrero also praised Adri Paz, who was named Man of the Match by several media outlets: 'We don't change our way of working regardless of the opponent. We have a model, a way of doing things that has brought us this far.' On the dream of promotion, he admitted: 'I would love to return from Baleares celebrating with all the fans of Jaén and the entire coaching staff. That's what I dream of; I don't know what will happen. Achieving promotion is very difficult, but if we can maintain this style of play, we will have our chances.'