Mehdi Nafti: "Tomorrow's a dangerous fixture, it's very important we don't lose focus"

C.D. Leganés manager, Mehdi Nafti, spoke in a press conference ahead of the pepineros' 23rd league game of the season, scheduled for this Saturday at 21:00 (CET) against Real Sociedad 'B'.

The coach confirmed the absences of Omeruo, Tarín, Cissé and Fede Vico, while Bruno is expected to return after missing the last two games. Nafti warned of the threat the opponents pose: "I'm not scared that the players are going to take their eyes off the ball, becuase we spoke after the cup match. It would be very grave to let this slip, we're on high alert. We know it's a dangerous opponent tomorrow. There's no reason not to give the same effort in the league as the cup, it's very important we don't relax".

"We're looking forward and we've got ambition, but first we have to get out from under"

Nafti commented that "every game is important, we'll take stock before the next one to see where we want to be and so on so forth. We're looking forward and we've got ambition, but first we have to get out from under. The setting for this fixture is different to the cup, but the second and first teams play similar systems and have similar footballing models. Xabi Alonso himself was a phenomenal player, he secured promotion for his side last season, for which he deserves his credit. He's constantly training and developing players; it's not easy".

The pepinero manager thanked the support from the fans last Wednesday: "I love the fact the fans always appreciate the effort the boys put in, I've already seen how hooked they get with the little we've given them!" Then, on the opening of the winter transfer window: "if I were to still have the same squad at the end of the month, I would feel calm. Of course, we want to improve and move up the table if we can. It's not a necessity as such, but we want to join the fray".