J. A. Reyes: 'Perhaps this is a good time to play Real Madrid'
“The key might be in scoring at the Santiago Bernabéu'
José Antonio Reyes couldn’t find an explanation for the loss to Hércules and only wanted to “apologize to our fans for the image we gave. Saying something now is impossible, as the story from previous losses were repeated. We have to continue to look at what’s going on there and put a stop to those mistakes.”
The midfielder from Seville tried to explain the goals conceded and said that “we hadn’t given up a goal in three games. Espanyol scored on us in the 92nd minute and we had gotten used to keeping clean sheets. We gave up four goals in 45 minutes in Alicante. Nobody expected it.”
When he was asked to analyse the poor moments of the first half of the season, Reyes explained that “we’ve already hit the bottom a few times this season and have been able to get back on our feet. I hope that this will be like prior losses and that we can pick ourselves back up and beat Real Madrid.”
Despite the defeat to the side from Alicante, Reyes believes that now is a good moment to take on Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. “Perhaps now is the best time to face them. The group is furious and we want to show the team that we are.”
The Atlético de Madrid player continued to speak about the Cup tie and said that “it’s true that we haven’t beaten them in La Liga in 10 years, but the Cup is different. It’s going to be a tough qualifying round, but we know our potential. It would be very important to score a goal and not concede any. That could be the key.”
Concerning the ‘espaldinha’ (pass with his back) performed by Ronaldo in the last derby, Reyes played down the importance of it and opined that “it happened in that match, but it’s forgotten. There’s no need to look into the past. All matches against Real Madrid are special for me and my teammates.
“We have to improve on several aspects of play in the second half of league play. Our goal is still the same: to finish in the top four so that we qualify for Champions spots. Hopefully we’ll be there at the end of the season,” he stated.
Reyes wanted to make it clear that the dressing room is united and supports Quique Sánchez Flores. “There’s no faction. I’ve been in many clubhouses, but few like the current one. The dressing room is behind the gaffer and feels united,” he asserted.
As regards the possible arrival of Juanfran, the ‘rojiblanco’ winger assured that “whoever comes to help out will be welcomed. I hope that we’re fortunate.”
The midfielder from Seville tried to explain the goals conceded and said that “we hadn’t given up a goal in three games. Espanyol scored on us in the 92nd minute and we had gotten used to keeping clean sheets. We gave up four goals in 45 minutes in Alicante. Nobody expected it.”
When he was asked to analyse the poor moments of the first half of the season, Reyes explained that “we’ve already hit the bottom a few times this season and have been able to get back on our feet. I hope that this will be like prior losses and that we can pick ourselves back up and beat Real Madrid.”
Despite the defeat to the side from Alicante, Reyes believes that now is a good moment to take on Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. “Perhaps now is the best time to face them. The group is furious and we want to show the team that we are.”
The Atlético de Madrid player continued to speak about the Cup tie and said that “it’s true that we haven’t beaten them in La Liga in 10 years, but the Cup is different. It’s going to be a tough qualifying round, but we know our potential. It would be very important to score a goal and not concede any. That could be the key.”
Concerning the ‘espaldinha’ (pass with his back) performed by Ronaldo in the last derby, Reyes played down the importance of it and opined that “it happened in that match, but it’s forgotten. There’s no need to look into the past. All matches against Real Madrid are special for me and my teammates.
“We have to improve on several aspects of play in the second half of league play. Our goal is still the same: to finish in the top four so that we qualify for Champions spots. Hopefully we’ll be there at the end of the season,” he stated.
Reyes wanted to make it clear that the dressing room is united and supports Quique Sánchez Flores. “There’s no faction. I’ve been in many clubhouses, but few like the current one. The dressing room is behind the gaffer and feels united,” he asserted.
As regards the possible arrival of Juanfran, the ‘rojiblanco’ winger assured that “whoever comes to help out will be welcomed. I hope that we’re fortunate.”
