After beating Sporting, Pepe Mel explained in El Molinón’s press room that, “what I did was take off the blindfold that impeded them from seeing. Without Gaizka Garitano’s work it would have been difficult to win these points. I’m mentioning my fellow coach because I’m sure he’s at home, and he had options to win many games”.

After gaining three points in Gijón he noted that “we have to continue this way; being collective, working every minute, each moment and making the most of the skills our players have”.

The blue-and-white coach said, “Deportivistas must be very proud of these players, because the other day a very, very competitive rival like Atlético de Madrid was unable to get the better of us in that. And today in a difficult environment, not against Dépor, but in favour of their team, as it should be, they were organised, they gave it their all and have fought every ball”.

Regarding the encounter, Mel explained “we’ve had two different sides. We were very concerned in being a defensive block like we were against Atlético de Madrid; for the rival not to have too many options, being compact and not leaving any space for Moi Gómez as well as Victor when he came on; people that play well in between the lines not being able to play freely and not letting Burgui run. We achieved this at times and others not as much. We were firm as a team. Then in attack, we lacked some depth, too much moving into spaces for support and none to break. We’ll work on that. But in general, the team wants the ball, I’ve insisted on that”.