The coach of Real Sporting de Gijón, Unai Valverde, has expressed his desire for Sanse to stop looking like a “subsidiary” in front of its rivals, especially before the next match against Girona. In an interview with journalist Jon Ansotegi, Valverde stressed the importance of regaining the team's confidence and showing that they can compete with the same intensity as any club in the First Division.
Valverde explained that the streak of six consecutive defeats against Girona does not reflect Sanse's true ability. “It's more a matter of our feelings and the team's confidence,” he said. “In football there are streaks, and although the current one is not good, we know that to reverse it we must do things well day by day.” The coach recalled that the team has demonstrated its potential both last season and in the current one, and that the objective is to once again be a competitive and professional group.
The coach also criticized the perception that Sanse acts as a subsidiary, pointing out that this affects the image they project to opponents. “We want rival coaches to say again that we are a tough team and difficult to beat,” he said. “We don't want to be perceived as a happy team that leaves easy spaces and opportunities.” Valverde recalled an occasion in which the team lost 0-3 against Almería, which reinforced his feeling that, at times, Sanse behaves like a reserve team.
Regarding the lineup, Valverde indicated that he has several options, including goalkeepers who have been good with the team. “I am very calm if Aitor, Lander or Theo plays,” he commented. The coach also mentioned that communication with the management, especially with Omer and Rino, has been fluid and that there are no problems with the incorporation of players who rise to the first team.
Sanse faces Girona, a club that has Champions League players. Valverde emphasized that, at this moment, the focus must be on the team itself and not on the rival. "There is no need to say much about Girona if you see the players they have. At the moment we are in we should not look too much at theirs. We have to look at ourselves," he concluded. Hoping to reverse the negative streak, Sanse prepares for the next match with the intention of demonstrating its strength and once again being perceived as a competitive and professional team.