In his first match leading Xerez DFC, Popi did not secure the anticipated victory, drawing zero-zero against Linares at the Chapín stadium. This result, while insufficient to gain three crucial points in the fight for permanence, has not dampened the coach's optimism. He clings to the idea that “three finals remain, and fortunately, everything stays the same, we still believe.”
“"It's not the result we expected. It's clear the team wanted to win, and there were two very distinct halves. In the first 25 minutes, the team started quite well, we controlled the ball, managed to overcome their initial pressure, and then, in the next 20-25 minutes of the first half, we fell back, made many unforced errors, failed, the crowd's murmuring affected us, we lacked the personality to keep playing, and they pinned us down there."
Popi noted that while the first half showed moments of control, the team was affected by pressure and a lack of personality. However, the second half reflected the image he desires for his squad: “In the second half, the team was what we want it to be: pressing, brave, wanting to go forward...”. Despite the opportunities created, such as those by Ilias and headers, the lack of goal-scoring efficiency remains a concern.
The coach admitted that Linares, practically safe from relegation, played a slow, low-tempo game, which complicated Xerez DFC's play. Although it was considered an accessible match, Popi emphasized that “all games are very difficult” and that upcoming opponents also have much at stake. The locker room, according to the coach, is “frustrated” and “hurt” by the draw, but the attitude is to continue working for the remaining three “finals,” starting with Sunday's match against La Minera.
“"I am happy with their attitude. It's true that we lacked a bit of personality, and I told them in the locker room, to keep doing the same as in the first 25 minutes. We needed to be that proactive team, to try to advance, not to play backwards, to be vertical..."
