Josema Giménez shared his thoughts on his team’s tie against Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal. When asked if he was satisfied with the game, Giménez’s response was nuanced. “Satisfied, satisfied… they made four goals and as a defense I am worried,” he admitted. However, he quickly shifted his focus to the positives, saying, “But I am glad to see the thrust we have in the team, we have shown that those who enter in the second half are just as important as those who start at the beginning.” He emphasized that this depth is a key strength, and one that the team must continue to leverage with humility, as it’s this mindset that will ultimately lead to achieving important things.
Simeone’s Influence
Giménez also spoke about the impact of his coach, Diego Simeone, on the team’s performance. “He’s a coach like no other, always reinventing himself, day by day,” Giménez observed. “He has a clear idea of what he wants from us and knows exactly how to get the best out of the players he has available.” This ability to adapt and get the most out of his squad is something that Giménez believes has been crucial to the team’s success. “We work hard, follow his lead, and everyone is on the same page,” he explained.
Laying the Groundwork for the Return Leg
Looking ahead to the return leg, Giménez expressed confidence in his team’s ability to turn the tie around. “We always trust in our ability to come back,” he said firmly. “We’re a great team, and we know we have what it takes to succeed.” This belief in themselves and their capabilities will undoubtedly be crucial as they head into the next match, looking to overcome the deficit and advance in the competition.