Quique: 'We have to re-organize the team and get back to being who we were”
The ‘rojiblanco’ manager asked the fans for forgiveness
Quique Sánchez Flores wanted to start out his post-game press conference by remembering the ‘rojiblanco’ fans, saying that “we have to ask the supporters who came to the stadium, as well as those who weren’t here, to forgive us for the vulgarity of the first half that we played. You can use any negative expression for what was seen in the first half. We gave everything away that a team should not give away.”
In defining the match, the head coach was at a loss for words and assured that “it’s inexplicable; it seemed like every one of Hércules’ shots was going in. The first two goals were gifts and from there it was really tough to come back. The lads have reflected on it and we’ll try to make sure that never happens again.
“We have to re-organize the team and get back to being who we were just a short while ago. This is the same squad that played in three finals and won two titles. We’re working in the same direction as always and when accidents like this occur we have to accept them, ask for forgiveness and make sure they don’t happen again. We’re obligated to play like men in just 3 days time. I think that we’re prepared to play a very different game.”
Quique Sánchez continued to try and look for an explanation for the loss: “When you go to the stadium of an elite side you put yourself at the risk where anything can happen. Atleti has always been like that, though I’ve never understood why. We have a lot of psychological work to do with this team because it’s a squad that tends to surprise you.”
To finish, Quique spoke about the possibility of qualifying for Champions League. “We’re going to continue to chase our goals. We’ve fallen two-and-a-half games back, but there are twenty left. We have more than enough time, but we don’t want this to repeat itself. On the outside, I’m the one responsible; within the team, we share the blame. We have to separate what Hércules earned and reflect on what we did wrong in the first half,” Quique wrapped up.
In defining the match, the head coach was at a loss for words and assured that “it’s inexplicable; it seemed like every one of Hércules’ shots was going in. The first two goals were gifts and from there it was really tough to come back. The lads have reflected on it and we’ll try to make sure that never happens again.
“We have to re-organize the team and get back to being who we were just a short while ago. This is the same squad that played in three finals and won two titles. We’re working in the same direction as always and when accidents like this occur we have to accept them, ask for forgiveness and make sure they don’t happen again. We’re obligated to play like men in just 3 days time. I think that we’re prepared to play a very different game.”
Quique Sánchez continued to try and look for an explanation for the loss: “When you go to the stadium of an elite side you put yourself at the risk where anything can happen. Atleti has always been like that, though I’ve never understood why. We have a lot of psychological work to do with this team because it’s a squad that tends to surprise you.”
To finish, Quique spoke about the possibility of qualifying for Champions League. “We’re going to continue to chase our goals. We’ve fallen two-and-a-half games back, but there are twenty left. We have more than enough time, but we don’t want this to repeat itself. On the outside, I’m the one responsible; within the team, we share the blame. We have to separate what Hércules earned and reflect on what we did wrong in the first half,” Quique wrapped up.