Andrés Pardo: "We are very happy with the squad and the club's involvement in putting it together."

The football director of C.D. Leganés, Andrés Pardo, appeared this Wednesday at a press conference after the close of the summer transfer window to evaluate this transfer period and the final composition of the first team's squad for the 2025/26 season.

These were the most notable statements from Pardo during his appearance before the media:

Evaluation: "Very positive. We are very happy; we have done everything we wanted to do in terms of squad composition and timing as well. I want to thank my team, who have been very involved, the fans, with record memberships and attendance, and the club. Again, the evaluation is very positive, and we are very happy."

Midfielders: "For us, the natural replacement for Diawara is Guirao. He is a guy who can fulfill that role, and we didn’t want to overcrowd the squad with six midfielders. Melero can also play in that position once he gets into rhythm. It’s not a concern to have that specific replacement for Diawara."

Free agents: "You can never say never, but for us, the squad is complete. We are twenty-five, even though we have twenty-three first-team registrations. We have no concerns about going into the free-agent market because what we’ve done has been deliberate. Marvel is playing on the flank, but Franquesa is already ready to return. We didn’t want to overcrowd because we have players in the academy like Saïd, Sergio, Hamansenya… whom we want to give some opportunities during the season."

Juan Cruz: "What he needs now is support. I know there’s a part of everyone that thinks things could have been done better, but these are decisions that have to be made. Now that he’s here, he needs everyone’s support. What’s good for him will be good for everyone because he’s exceptional. We had already reached and closed the agreement some time ago, and he’s been involved with the club and the season for many days now. There was a moment when two or three First Division teams wanted him, and it’s normal that he considered that situation. Now it’s time for all of us to row together, and we hope he continues to contribute a lot to the club."

Juan Cruz’s process: "We went through all the phases. We know how the summer went, but perhaps the one who had the hardest time was Juan himself. There were situations that weren’t comfortable for anyone, but as we progressed, we saw that Juan has a very good character. We gave each other some space, and from August, we started to approach and try to understand each other. We had been clear about this situation for days; the player decided to stay with conviction. He understood the club’s position, I understood his, and the situation ended well."

Squad: "It’s the one we dreamed of, both in names and positions and personnel. I’m very happy with how everything has gone, that we were able to keep Juan Cruz and Cissé. There are people still getting into shape because they worked alone in preseason, like Melero or Óscar Plano. We’ll recover players like Franquesa or Figueredo. This is the squad I dreamed of to face this challenge. My loyalty to the club is with these players; there’s an incredible human group, and we face the season with the best possible squad. It’s a pleasure to see them work day by day with the coaching staff. Living that day-to-day is a privilege."

Options: "Maybe tomorrow a free agent fits, but it’s very, very unlikely and would be an exceptional situation."

Cissé: "He’s a charming guy, a person with top values who has helped us from day one. There have been situations for him, but we wanted him to stay here, and his behavior day by day has won us all over. We will do everything possible for him to stay here longer, and it will depend on him, his aspirations, and how the situation evolves."

Level of the category: "I think we are at the level to compete for promotion. We all know the equality that exists, teams with more or less squad depth, but the equality is maximum and will be the general trend of the season. We have a broad, complete squad and one of the best in the category, I’m sure. From there, we have to keep working, improving, and finding those areas for improvement. We’ve taken the lead in all three matches, and in those minutes, we’ve enjoyed the team’s play. We need to adjust things, but it’s only matchday three."

Blue Crow Methodology: "Very grateful and happy with how it went during the summer. We had all the resources, and everyone helped. We worked very closely when we needed them, and they helped us. The club provided us with the resources we requested. There were some situations where we needed more resources, and they approved them. The club gave everything, and the sale of Diomande not only balances the accounts for this season but also provides stability for the following ones."

Open market at the start of LALIGA: "My opinion is that it should close when the competition starts; that would be logical. From there, things aren’t as one wishes, and we have to adapt and face it. Obviously, there’s much more stability when everything is closed. In the last days, there are many movements, but it’s what we have, and it’s because someone believes this is the best option."

Winter market: "Reinforcing a squad doesn’t only depend on financial stability but also on intelligence when moving. Since the day before yesterday, we’ve already been focused on both the winter market and next season. We know the squad we have, and we’ll see how everything evolves and if there’s a situation we can improve. If investment is needed, it will be made without any problem."

Learning: "Without being egocentric, I don’t regret any signing or situation that has occurred. We all have room for improvement, but I’m optimistic and satisfied with how the squad has turned out and the involvement inside and outside the locker room. I ask people for trust. When everything is going well, no one needs that trust; when things aren’t perfect, that’s when it’s needed. People are giving it despite the frustration we’ve all felt in these matches. The team will improve and has no ceiling."

Renewals of Guirao and Lalo: "We’re taking it step by step. We wanted to address some of these situations during the market. For us, the academy is important; we have six in the squad. They’ve earned it, and it’s a source of pride to have them. There have been contacts, and we’re talking. They are guys with a lot of potential who want to be here. Our idea is for them to stay with us for a long time."