Beñat San José: "We have to be positive, give our best version, and believe that victory is closer."

The improvement of the team and the current moment: «I believe that our consistency in every sense is bearing fruit. I consider that we are a more complete team than before and that we have been sharper in different phases of the game. That the consistency I mention translates into goals and victories is the ultimate because we work to win. In the past, we made mistakes, we self-criticized, and conducted a good analysis to move forward. There were things that penalized us a lot, and we had to push and improve there. Now we are adding three points, and that is important, but above all, it is important to see that the team competes to add. The players are doing a great job, and we must continue with that competitiveness in such an even and demanding league».

The opponent: «Deportivo is a great team. Not only do they have a good starting eleven, but also a complete squad and a coach with a lot of experience and tactical level. It is a historic club, and at their home, I expect a very intense, very tactical match with a lot of individual talent. They will also have their pressure because of what they represent. We will have to be very attentive in our pressing jumps, in when to press with the wings, and in how to adjust our defensive line. They are strong in one-on-one situations and are very well tactically worked. It will be key to be very well organized. And then there is our part: playing our football, having personality with the ball, and looking for the spaces we can generate or that they concede to us».

Countdown away from home: «It is true that we have not yet won away, but instead of seeing it as a burden, we see it as a positive countdown. We have taken small steps by scoring points, and we believe that victory has to come. We know we are going to one of the most demanding visits, but it will also be difficult for them to play against Eibar. It is going to be a very competitive match. Mentally, we have to be positive, give our best version in defense and attack, and believe that victory is closer».

Juan Bernat: «We are eager for him to progress as quickly as possible, but we have to take it step by step. This week he will not be able to be called up. He has been gradually participating in some exercises, and the progression is positive. He is a very professional player who takes good care of himself, but the pace of training and matches is different. We will see if he can be available next week. Even so, we cannot rush. We want him to join firmly».

The importance of not obsessing over away victories: «Our obsession must be the season as a whole and showing complete and competitive football. The away victory must be seen as an opportunity, not as a burden. If the obsession generates negative thoughts or tension, it is not useful. We want to compete well, show our football, and understand that away from home, the opponent becomes stronger, as it happens to all of us. The mindset is positive: it is an opportunity to play a great match and for victory to come as a consequence of competing well».

One year at Eibar: «My assessment is first emotional. For me, coaching Eibar is a great responsibility and a tremendous pride. I have always had a lot of affection for the club, and now feeling like its coach is something very powerful. We know that the club is going through a complex moment within the last decade, but we also know how to compete and connect with the fans, which is key. In football terms, we have had very high peaks and some lower ones. We have been self-critical and have improved. Neither when we were at the top did we think we were the best, nor when we were at the bottom did we think that was what we deserved. The balance is positive, and I am very proud, grateful, and happy».