Francisco Rodríguez, Elche coach, celebrated the “three very important points” achieved by his team against Espanyol (1-2). A victory that ends the franjiverde streak of four months without winning at home in the league. And with which the Elche team takes another step in his fight for permanence first.
Victory with many incentives
“We did 20 fantastic first-half minutes. What we planned came out, against a very strong rival at home. Espanyol’s first and second-half starts are very strong and we were lucky to score. Then they had to suffer. The penalty put them in the game, because we had it under control, without Espanyol chances. They are three very important points. To come out strengthened in work, union, sacrifice and winning mentality. Little by little, we will improve. “
Penalties are the ones that there are many in a game. Within the area, there are always contacts.
Penalty Against
“A penalty of which there are many in a game. Within the area, there are always contacts. I think there should be more to whistle a penalty, but Gil Manzano saw it that way. Thank God, it did not harm us, because we took the three points “.
Great match for Pere Milla
“What he did is his obligation. I know him perfectly. He has a lot of area play and does a fantastic job. Every time he comes out, he shows it. We ask the rest of that team mentality. I am very happy for everyone. The people of the bench encouraged a lot “.
Gonzalo Verdú’s injury
“In the warm-up, Bigas was injured. I have not seen Verdú yet, because I am suspended and I could not enter the dressing room. I understand that it will not be much. We are lacking in this central position.”
Defensive improvement of the team
“The team needed that commitment and solidarity at the defensive level. And not to make mistakes that condemn us in circulation in our own field. We are being intelligent in this. The reward is maximum, because we won. But we must remember that at the Camp Nou and Mestalla we They scored a strategy. And today, they scored us a penalty. On a defensive collective level, we are doing well. We are happy. But that is what we are asking for. Hopefully we will go little by little. “
The team needed that commitment and solidarity on a defensive level
Victory at home four months later
“When you win, a coach feels satisfied. The planned work is seen in the field. And it allows us to continue to arrive with the message that we transmit every day. It is the first game of the second round and we want to add more than in the first “We want to regain the best level of each one of us. After so long without winning away, and against an opponent who had only lost at home against Atleti, it is fantastic. We dedicate it to the fans.”
Is it very easy for Elche?
“I am not going to go into this. We understand that we were harmed in some actions, and there is also the VAR that does not correct. But I will continue to believe in the honesty of each one. If we had not won, perhaps we would complain more about the penalty. We have to look forward. We are still in a delicate situation. Winning here gives us strength to continue. Now, to think about Villarreal. “
I am happy with Benedetto. What has to happen, will happen, with him or the rest of his teammates
Benedetto, without minutes for his possible departure to Boca Juniors?
“Not at all. I was here to play. The game led to him not playing minutes, but the intention was for him to have. I don’t make decisions thinking about the future. The present is very important for Elche, and we all collaborate so that we are better, he between them. I’m very happy with him. Whatever has to happen, will happen, with him or the rest of the teammates. “
