Rodriguez: “We must respect Alcala”
Las Palmas manager Juan Manuel Rodriguez demands full focus ahead of the Copa del Rey tie and confirms injury returns.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Holger Uwe Schmitt
Ahead of the Copa del Rey away fixture against Alcala, Las Palmas manager Juan Manuel Rodriguez has made it clear that there is no room for complacency. Despite the gap in division, the coach insists on showing respect for the side from the fifth group of the Segunda RFEF.
For Rodriguez, the recent league victory over Real Sociedad B provided a much-needed boost after a difficult run, but he remains firm on standards. "When you win, things seem different, but I maintain the same level of demand. I don't like relaxation," he insisted.
The manager plans to rotate the squad while adhering to regulations that require a minimum of seven first-team players on the pitch. "About 80% of the players will travel, but I am balancing the side to give rest to those who have accumulated the most minutes," Rodriguez explained.
The match could see the debut of players returning from injury. Rodriguez confirmed that Recoba and Ale Garcia are fit for some minutes, while Opoku is gradually improving after knee issues. Adri Suarez is also tipped to feature in goal, while Acimovic is expected to start following his recent work rate.