Rubén Peña: The ambition within this squad is impressive
The SD Eibar man addressed the press at Atxabalpe
Speaking today after training at Atxabalpe, SD Eibar's Rubén Peña declared that, "the ambition within this squad is impressive".
"We always say that we firstly look to mathematically guarantee our survival and if we're in seventh or higher, like we are now, we'll fight for a European spot or whatever comes. Once we're safe we'll battle to achieve all of the objectives that are within our reach".
In reference to Saturday's defeat at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, Peña admitted that, "It always hurts when you lose", before stating that, "We put in a disciplined display and were the better side". "The road we have to continue on is the one we've been on over the last month, in which we've been on a fine run of form and the vibes have been good".
"We had the game right where we wanted it, which is something that the gaffer likes us to do, but, at the end of the day, Sevilla are a good side. If you end up losing, it's best for it the defeat to leave you with the sort of feeling that we came away with on Saturday. We outperformed Sevilla on their own patch and that says a lot about this team. We'll try to reproduce that form on Saturday and I'm in no doubt that with the atmosphere here and if we're more clinical, it'll be easier for us to get the win".
When asked about Saturday's opponents, Málaga, he commented that they "have a good squad, with some really quick players in wide areas". "We'll try to play our game, spend time in their half and get the win".
"They'll be aware of how tough it is to come and play Eibar at Ipurua. We'll try to be ourselves and continue to perform just as we have been. If we do things as we know how to, the three points will remain at home".
In terms of his contribution to the team, Peña was quick to admit that, "If you compare what I brought to the team when I came in with what I'm now offering, I've taken a forward step". "I've still got further progress to make and I hope that I produce some of my best football before the season is out and that the gaffer continues to place his trust in me. I'll be trying to repay that with good performances".
"There's still a lot more to come from Rubén Peña. This has been my first season in Primera and I'm adapting well. There's a lot more to me than what we you've seen so far and that'll gradually come out. As long as I'm contributing something to the team it doesn't matter that I'm not scoring. If I get the chances and they're clear ones, of course, I would like to get amongst the goals. However, if what the team needs me to do something else which benefits a teammate, I'll be more than happy do that".