Gonzalo escalante was presented this Wednesday as a new addition to Deportivo Alavés. The Argentine said he was “happy and excited” and wanted to play as soon as possible to “be happy on the pitch.” Upon his arrival, he admitted that although he had several other options on the table, his good relationship with Sergio Fernández and the signing of Mendilibar made him choose Deportivo Alavés.
Escalante arrives at Alavés to reinforce a midfield that It has the casualties of Loum, Pere Pons and Tomás Pina at the moment. Therefore, there are several options that the Argentine can even play as a starter on Sunday against Athletic, something about which he has not yet spoken with the coach. “The truth is that I had little time. I had a couple of problems with my flight and I was a little late, so I have not had the opportunity to talk much. We are waiting to be able to take some time, because this is all a bit difficult. Let’s see what you decide, I am at your service and what you decide will be good for me. “
In top shape
As for his physical condition, the midfielder said he felt “perfect”, and reflected on what he thinks Mendilibar will ask of him on the field, highlighting his versatility for being able to play offensively or defensively. “In all the seasons with Mendi, the partner I had as a midfielder varied a lot. I think I can adapt to whatever he asks of me, because I consider myself a very intense player, I can do various things, and I think the partner will ask the same “.
Finally, Escalante reflected on everything he has learned during his stay in Italy, something he classified as an “incredible experience”, and a luck few have. “I was able to play the Champions League against great teams and meet great players. I take all that with me in addition to knowing another type of football, new coaches and new systems. I take a lot of good things with me.”
Sergio Fernández and resources in midfield
The Sports Director, Sergio Fernández, also attended Gonzalo Escalante’s presentation, where he assured that the center of the field is covered, but that “circumstances” are causing it to not be possible to “enjoy” several players. For this reason, the incorporation of Escalante stands out: “it allows us to have someone with certain characteristics that make us better, and when all colleagues are available we will have resources and possibilities for the team to get where we all want.”
Fernández revealed that it is an incorporation that they have tried to close for a long time, and has called it “a priority” due to their football and personal conditions. “With his personality he absorbs a lot of energy and channels it, and in football terms he has qualities that will be good for this team.”
Regarding the forward of the team, and the lack of minutes of the substitute forwards, the Sports Director assured that the fact that Joselu monopolizes many minutes is something logical, given his state of form, and asked for patience with the rest. “The others have to have patience so that when their time comes they are up to the task, but the height is not measured because they have a few minutes in a Cup match, you have to have the patience so that they perform in time and show their potential. We We do not change our opinion regarding Sylla or Miguel because they are not having the minutes they want, but right now they have no choice but to wait. “
The chapter on possible exits was also discussed at the press conference, although Fernández did not want to give any details. In addition, he assured that he trusts that the players affected by the coronavirus “can be part of the team for Sunday.” Finally, regarding the departure of Loum to go to dispute the Africa Cup, he expressed that “there is no room for complaint”, because it was known that they would have to give it up on these dates.
