Calderón: The game on Sunday is a six-pointer

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Real Betis manager Gabriel Calderón has stressed the crucial nature of taking all three points at Nuevo Los Cármenes on Sunday lunchtime, when his team face their Andaluz derby against Granada.

Real Betis manager Gabriel Calderón underlined the crucial need to beat Granada in Sunday’s game.

There was absolutely no understating the importance of winning three points from Real Betis manager Gabriel Calderón, who made it clear that a victory against Granada on Sunday will be even more valuable than just the points in play for his team.

“The game on Sunday is a six-pointer, because each game we have less margin for error, but trying to make calculations without winning the next game, serves no purpose.”

Accepting that the players are frustrated with last week’s heavy defeat away at Valencia, Calderón still remains positive about the level of effort they are offering.

“The team feels wounded. In the situation we’re in, all the players are hurting and we need consistency to gain a balance and confidence. Despite the defeat at Valencia, the players are all aware that this game is a six-pointer. Forgetting the poor fifteen minutes and the game against Valencia, I’m happy with the work of the team.”

A full house is expected at Nuevo Los Cármenes, as Granada and their fans also see the game against Betis as a key encounter in their season. Calderón isn’t concerned about the strong home support, just that his players remain enthusiastic and determined to get the points.

“We have experience and know what it’s like to play at a full stadium, that doesn’t worry us. The players are keener than anyone to win this game. What concerns us most is being a solid block.”

Having secured a good victory against Espanyol with a five-man back-line, Calderón was asked if that’s something he’ll repeat against Granada on Sunday.

“This week we’ve been working hard to achieve the balance we had against Espanyol. That doesn’t come from playing four or five defenders. It’s about having a solid block that can’t be taken apart so easily, that’s what matters. The details aren’t as important as the block.”

Next week sees the return of Europa League action for Real Betis, with a tough challenge against Russian outfit Rubin Kazan, though the preference of Calderón is to forget about that for the moment, with victory at Granada the first priority.

“Right now, all we’re focused on is what happens in Granada, which comes above anything else. That game will come later and we have to win each game. We cannot downplay the importance of it and we have to win.”

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Calderón: The game on Sunday is a six-pointer

Granada manager Lucas Alcaraz has shrugged off speculation that his job could be at risk, if his team fails to beat Real Betis on Sunday, preferring to focus his efforts on ensuring they’re the best prepared they can be, to take the points.

At his press call on Saturday, Granada manager Lucas Alcaraz outlined that despite the injuries and suspensions that have hit his squad this week, he’s more than confident in the players he’s called up from the B team.

“The players called into the squad are perfectly capable of playing in this game. Some of them, such as Fatau, have been playing in the B team, but have also played with the first-team, at the Bernabéu and at a great level. We would prefer not to have players out, but even so, we still have a competitive squad and they’re sufficiently prepared for the game.”

Asked about the morale of the players, in what has been a difficult run of results lately, Alcaraz insisted that they never lose their high spirits and enthusiasm.

“The players are very good in that sense, very psyched up for the game. They were even before we went to La Manga and dare I say, even after the final whistle at Espanyol, we’ve had this game in our sights. We’ve always known it was going to be important and we’re keen to turn the page on that game and have a good game in this next one.”

Given the importance of the game for both Granada and Real Betis, Alcaraz was then asked what for him, are the keys to getting the points on Sunday at Nuevo Los Cármenes.

“My concern has to be focused on Granada. I’m hoping to see a Granada team that gets their claws out, with intensity, that connects well, get’s forward well and is able to transmit that to the fans. The main thing is that the team goes out there determined, but also with order at the back and showing enough daring going forward to win the game.”

“I’m not concerned about Betis, because I have to be concerned about Granada. Obviously we have respect for our opponents, but I have to concern myself that my team realises all the things we have in mind.”

“We have to concern ourselves with what we must do on the pitch, with the utmost intensity, conviction and efficiency. We have to do things out there on the pitch, like we did against Valladolid, Elche or Málaga. That’s the sort of intensity we need to maintain, playing closer to our opponent’s area, be solid in defence, have determination and get forward well in attack.”

Amidst obvious discontent from the fans at the poor home record this season, the Granadino coach remains confident that they will back the team, knowing the importance of the game, but also pointed out that the players have to perform and encourage their support.

“I’m totally convinced that the fans will back the team and that the team has to be focused on getting the fans with them from the very first minute of the game. To do that, we have to show determination in every minute of the game.”

Since Alcaraz introduced the three-man midfield system, whilst the team have yet to find consistency, the quality of their football has shown a marked improvement. Beyond that however, he realises that it’s a game of results and remains confident they’ll rediscover the sort of form that has helped them gain equally important victories in the past.

“I’m convinced that the team will recovery the quality of their play, from what I’ve seen from the players, from the looks on their faces and for how they’ve looked in training. They’ve played well in many stretches of La Liga and in certain games. Now the team has to identify with our current situation, have the confidence and self-esteem to know what they can do.”

Finally, given speculation surrounding his own position as manager, Alcaraz suggested that he’s not thinking about that at all, just the team and winning games.

“All I have to do is thing that we can win. I can’t waste energy in anything other than the team being prepared, that they’re focused, that we’ve covered all the details and in winning the game. That’s what my focus is on, winning.”