Deportivo coach Antonio Hidalgo expressed his deep frustration after the team's defeat at the Metropolitano against Atlético de Madrid. The match, which was played in the rival's stadium, ended with a result that left Deportivo without points and without the opportunity to tie thanks to a clear opportunity that striker Kevin missed in the last minute.
Hidalgo stated that they “feel a lot of pain” for the lost opportunity, describing it as “very clear” and “very painful.” According to the coach, the team had shown good control of the ball in the first half and had generated several opportunities, but Atlético changed its structure in the second half and managed to score a goal that put Deportivo in a difficult position. “We knew we had to stay alive until the end,” he explained, underlining the need to maintain the pressure and take advantage of any opportunities that arose.
The coach also recalled that Deportivo has gone six consecutive games without winning, which, according to him, “is a factor that rivals take advantage of.” Hidalgo emphasized the importance of scoring points in matches of this caliber and stated that, although the team has shown good performance in previous matches, at present it has not been able to convert its opportunities into victories. “We are competing and that speaks well of the work, but it is not enough to add and win games,” he added.
Regarding individual performance, Hidalgo thanked Adama for his work, but pointed out that we still have to demand more from him. "We talk a lot with Adama so that he can increase his quality minutes. Happy with his evolution, but we have to continue demanding of him," concluded the coach. Despite the defeat, Hidalgo showed his commitment to the team, stating that he will continue to push his players and that the key will be “to add three” and maintain positive streaks.
Deportivo must analyze the weak points that were evident in the match and work on improving the ability to convert opportunities into goals. The next challenge will be the next match of the competition, where the pressure to change the winless streak will be even greater.