José Rojo 'Pacheta' appeared for the first time in Granada's pre-season after the 1-1 draw against Juventud de Torremolinos at the Málaga sports city. The coach acknowledged that between six and ten players are needed, although he is hopeful that the sale of the club to the American group will bring assistance.
The first friendly of Granada's pre-season ended in a 1-1 draw against Juventud de Torremolinos, a team from the Primera Federación, in a match held at the Málaga sports city. The red-and-white coach, José Rojo 'Pacheta', analysed the match and made it clear that the squad needs reinforcements.
Positive assessment of the match
Pacheta expressed his satisfaction with the performance of his players, despite only having two weeks of training. “They had a clear chance in the first half and another in the second due to our mistake. Overall, we had many more goal opportunities, and we were very serious throughout the match,” he stated.
The coach highlighted the team's attitude: “The team wanted to do what they train for, and that leads me to believe we are working well.” He also praised the youth players who have joined the first team: “The boys coming up from the youth team are giving us quality in training, they don’t disrupt the training, they are kids with a lot of potential.”
Need for reinforcements and youth academy
Pacheta was clear about the squad's shortcomings: “Of course, players are missing. I don’t know the number, but six, eight or ten players for sure. It’s clear we need help, and I’m sure help will come.” The coach is confident that the sale of the club to the American group will materialise and allow for the signing of quality players.
The coach also focused on the young players: “We have many kids with great potential, but I have no idea who will step up. Today, Maza came on for fifteen minutes and said here I am, I want to play. I was amazed at how he entered the game.” Pacheta believes that the youth players “need to be consistent and live for this, and it’s not easy at 20 years old and with how society is now.”
Physical condition of the squad
Regarding absences, Pacheta revealed that Stoichkov did not play due to a minor hamstring overload, and that goalkeeper Lizoain has barely trained for a day. About Gumbau, who is returning from a loan, he stated: “As long as he is here, he is mine and I will get the most out of him. I don’t know if he will leave or not, but that can happen to anyone in the team. He is a very prominent player in Segunda.”
The coach sent a message to Granada fans: “People need to subscribe because it’s their Granada and they will enjoy it. There was a moment last year when we played very well for two or three months.” Granada continues its pre-season with an eye on the start of the League in Segunda División.
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