Sidnei was the centre of attention in Abegondo this morning. He explained that the Branquiazuis “are working every day to improve. We can grow a lot as a team”.

The Brazilian defender revealed that the lads “are happy” with the way the team has defended the last matches. “We have to continue this way”, he added.

With the match against Girona at the Estadio ABANCA-RIAZOR on Monday (9 pm, Gol), the Deportivista defender confessed “it’s a very long week. But we’re working to do well on Monday”.

Asked about the Nigerian goalkeeper, Francis, who debuted last Sunday in Ipurua, he said, “he’s really well. He’s a young lad with incredible potential. We’re trying to help him so that he can develop a lot as a footballer”.

He also spoke about Girona’s striker (Stuani) missing the match: “He’s a great player, an important player. But we’re going to work the same way”.

He described the time he was dropped out of some games a few weeks ago as “something new”: “I carried on working as always. I’m happy to be able to help my teammates”. He explained it was the coach’s decision, “I had to work because that’s what I’m here for”.

Sidnei also referred to the changes made in the defence, a position in which all four centre-backs have debuted in the last eight matches: “When you have such a good squad like ours, that’s what happens. We have to work and those that go out on the pitch have to help the team gain the three points”.