Celta Vigo face the reality that their UEFA Europa League campaign has gotten off to a very tough start. After the 1‑2 defeat against Juventus at the Balaídos, coach Claudio Giráldez admitted that the team has come out “empty” in the first two games, although the coach maintains the conviction that the project remains on track for victory in the group stage.
Giráldez recalled that, despite having shown good feelings in both matches, Celta lost at critical moments: the first match was closed in the 89th minute and the second in the 91st minute. “We have competed very well, the team has done a good job against a great team,” he explained, underlining that the errors made were “poorly defended” and that “teams with so much talent penalize any mistake.” The coach described the situation as “a bit silly,” but assured that the way of playing they have adopted must be maintained, because “it will end up paying off,” as happened last season.
The coach also highlighted the evolution of his player Yoel Lago, who “is becoming more and more intelligent in game situations.” Giráldez expressed his confidence that Celta will manage to advance to the next phase, since “there is still room for maneuver” and remembers that the previous year also had a difficult start before stringing together several victories. “We would have liked to have a few more points, I think we should have at least two,” he added, before pointing out that the next objective is the match against Glasgow in a historic setting.
Regarding strategy, the coach emphasized the need to continue “insisting” on the way of working that they have been applying, since “we are building a competitive team in many scenarios.” Giráldez concluded that the challenge is important and that the team likes challenges, which suggests that Celta will continue to fight with the same intensity in the next matches of the European competition.