The head coach highlights the importance of competing with personality against Osasuna in the promotion play-offs (Saturday, 4pm)
Villarreal Women head coach Jordi Ferriols spoke to V Play to analyse the build-up to the match against Osasuna, which will be played at the Tajonar Training Facilities on Saturday at 4pm. The fixture corresponds to the first leg of the opening round of the promotion play-offs to Liga F.
The Yellow head coach assured that the team arrive motivated and ready for the play-offs: “The feelings are very good. Another very exciting competition is starting and we are all highly motivated. We know how difficult it is going to be, but the team are prepared.”
Jordi Ferriols also explained that, at this stage of the season, small details will make the difference: “The four teams competing in the play-offs know each other very well. We have to focus on ourselves and on the areas we need to improve. We know that details will be important, especially on an emotional level. Managing emotions and group unity will be key. Being here is the merit of all the players. Through everyone’s effort we have to try to overcome this first tie against Osasuna and dream of reaching Liga F.”
Speaking about the opposition, the Vila-real head coach highlighted their physical strength and competitive edge: “Osasuna are a very forceful and physical team who put you under a lot of pressure with crosses into the box. We will have to be very alert to defend the area well. But above all, we need to focus on reaching our best level. We have to be brave and have full confidence that things will go well.”
As for the type of match he expects in Tajonar, Ferriols predicted a very demanding contest: “I expect a match similar to the one we already played there in the league. They will try to press us high at certain moments and at others sit in a mid-block. We will try to control the tempo of the match when we have the ball and be effective in both boxes.”
Ferriols also reminded of the importance of approaching the tie intelligently: “We have home advantage in our favour. I hope that at home our patron saint Sant Pasqual gives us a little extra strength. But everything starts with these first 90 minutes in Tajonar. We have to stay organised and clear in our ideas.”
Finally, the Yellow head coach had very emotional words for Lucía Gómez, who has recently retired: “For Lucía I only have words of gratitude. She has been a fundamental pillar for the team and she is the captain. Unfortunately, she has had to retire and now she is the driving force we have to fight for as we try to gain promotion to Liga F.”
