First team

Pablo Alfaro: "This team wants to compete"

"Every time you win it reinforces your belief in the work that you're doing", said Pablo Alfaro as he began the press conference after the friendly match against Castellón. Ibiza's head coach leaves Valencia and the preseason camp satisfied; not only because of the recent victory, but also because the team has internalised the concepts that were worked on during the last three weeks: "In the beginning [of these types of matches] things are often quite balanced. Step by step, however, we were able to steer the match in the direction that we wanted: switching up play and creating chances against a team that plays with three central defenders and two wide runners, a structure to keep in mind".

For Alfaro, the performance against Castellón "shows that Ibiza wants to compete". With just two friendly matches remaining before the start of the season against the reserves of Unión Deportiva Las Palmas, the head coach believes that the recent three weeks spent at Cracks will be beneficial over the course of the season. Up next though is the return to the island: "We were looked after fantastically well. We felt right at home here. For what we tried to do in creating group dynamics and a good dressing room, it was perfect. We had more opportunities on the mainland to play against quality opposition, but now we are very much looking forward to returning to Can Misses and see all our people again. Our fans are eager to see the squad in action".