Alavés Coach Luis García Plaza Recognizes Barcelona’s Formidable Threat

Alavés coach, Luis García Plaza, emphasized on Friday that some are undervaluing Barcelona, their upcoming opponent, whom he described as a “formidable team.” The Madrid-born coach stated in a press conference that he “expects a great Barcelona” and called for “a great atmosphere” at Mendizorroza, as they will need it. “As long as we don’t give our best, we won’t have a chance,” affirmed the Alavés coach.

Regarding Barcelona, he highlighted that they “like to press high and have fast center-backs.” “They make you run, and we have to try to cause damage with the ball,” said García Plaza, acknowledging that “they are the favorites.”

“It will be very difficult for us to win or get points,” he emphasized, admitting that it is the “ideal moment to face Barcelona” due to Alavés’ good form, though he pointed out that they are capable of winning “without giving their best version.”

Asked about the current situation of their rival on the bench, Xavi Hernández, he pointed out that he is the “current league champion” and stated that “Spanish football is like that.” “There are criticisms, and this doesn’t happen in other leagues,” he argued, adding that Mikel Arteta is the fashionable coach in the Premier League despite starting with poor results. “His work in these two years is not bad,” he said about Xavi Hernández, but he considered that “in Spain, no one is forgiven.”

Summary, goals, and highlights of FC Barcelona 2 – 1 Alavés from Matchday 13 of LaLiga EA Sports

Despite being separated from the relegation positions, he affirmed that the Alavés fans are “smart.” “They know that we are made to suffer, and we have a lot to do,” he expressed.

He assured that he will demand in the dressing room that no one relaxes so that when a bad streak comes, it does not affect them. “We are in a beautiful moment,” he opined.

Asked about the winter transfer market in which Alavés negotiated with Betis for Luis Rioja, he said that the Sevillian player “is eager to play against Barcelona, and he will continue to defend the Alavés shirt one hundred percent.”

“The club has tried to sign a center-back, but I know where I am, and I know that making any signing is very difficult,” he clarified, anticipating that he trusts the versatility of his players and the youth academy.