Alavés head coach Quique Sánchez Flores issued a clear warning ahead of a crucial home clash with Barcelona at Mendizorroza, stressing that tightening up defensively is the only way to challenge the league champions. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Madrid-born tactician acknowledged that his side must cut out errors and read the game better, as they face the most formidable opponent in Spanish football.
“We have to make fewer mistakes and interpret the game well, because we’re up against the best team in La Liga. We need to give 200 percent,” Quique said. The message was blunt: improved focus and a reduction in cheap goals conceded are non-negotiable for a team fighting for survival.
Despite Barcelona securing the title under Hansi Flick earlier this month, Quique dismissed any notion that the visitors might take their foot off the gas. “Whoever plays for them will perform at a high level. They’ll stick to their system and remain aggressive. They’ll control the match, so we have to exploit our own strengths to cause them problems.”
With Alavés teetering near the relegation zone, every point is vital. Quique acknowledged the urgency but remained pragmatic. “I don’t know exactly which games will bring us the points we need, so we have to take it one match at a time. Winning against Barcelona would be huge. There are two teams in a worse position than us, and if we do our job, I believe we’ll succeed. Our goal is to push another team below us and rely only on ourselves.”
When asked which of the remaining fixtures was the most critical, he didn’t hesitate. “Every game becomes crucial as we go. This one will be important, but not decisive. We need to be consistent: win the matches we should, avoid draws, and definitely not lose. Tactical discipline is key.”
Quique also highlighted the squad’s mentality heading into the decisive stretch. “I see the team full of confidence. We have no way back; this is who we are and where we are. The results aren’t terrible—three losses in nine matches gives us a real chance. We must play smart and above all, play to our strengths.”
The coach added that he is closely monitoring Lucas Boyé’s recovery, acknowledging that the forward’s absence has weakened the attack. He also expressed hope that players like Toni Martínez could return in the coming week to bolster the squad for the final push.
