San Jose calls for a response from Rayo before visiting Racing

Rayo Vallecano head into Saturday's clash against Racing de Santander with the need to take a step forward. Beñat San José said the team wants its feelings on the pitch to be reflected in the standings, after picking up a point in the first three matchdays.

“We all have a lot of desire to prove ourselves and for what we are doing on the pitch to finally show up in the table. In 3 matchdays, getting 1 point is not what we want, but the feeling is that we could have deserved more. We need to step up. The players and the staff have a very good chemistry to work and to demand from ourselves. It's not just about getting the 3 points, but about how we do it. We have to secure the win with our own stamp”.

The franjirrojo coach described Racing as an opponent with a very clear identity and assessed their moves in the transfer window.

“It's a rival that has had the same coach for a long time and that has a very specific style of play. They have their own stamp. They made a very good transfer window. They have brought in good players for a team that already knows itself perfectly and already had players of a lot of quality. In terms of their inside play, they are one of the best teams. They accumulate a lot of talent inside”.

New signings, pending their progress

Emil Audero, Rayane Belaid and Mujaid Sadick have completed their first training session with the group. San José will wait to check their condition before deciding whether they can be included in the squad, or even whether they can start the match.

“Today was the first training session for Emil Audero, Rayane Belaid and Mujaid Sadick. Tomorrow is the next one. I'll see how they are and whether they will be available to start or to be included in the squad. If they train well, I understand they will be in the squad”.

The coach also explained the characteristics of Rayane Belaid, whom he naturally places as an attacking midfielder, although he has the ability to play out wide.

“He is a player with a lot of skill and a lot of vision. He has an important touch on the ball and a lot of speed in reading the game. His natural position is as an attacking midfielder, although he can play on the wing. I've seen him very happy to be able to come to Rayo Vallecano. We are going to help him and he will help us”.

The situation of Andrei Ratiu was also one of the issues addressed at the press conference. San José confirmed that the full-back is available to be called up after completing a good training session.

“It's normal that players who have had a good season receive offers and have the desire to move forward in their careers. That doesn't mean they aren't comfortable. Ratiu had a few days when he wasn't feeling well, when he wasn't in optimal condition to play. If a player isn't at his best, someone else will play. This is professional football and you have to be at 100%. Today he trained very well and is available to be called up”.

The stadium situation and communication with the fans

Rayo's absence from their stadium continues to affect the team's day-to-day. The coach acknowledged the sporting downside it brings and said he wants to play at Estadio de Vallecas alongside the fans.

“There is a competitive disadvantage for me. Not being able to play in our stadium is a tremendous penalty. I feel very frustrated and annoyed to be the coach who is going through this situation, but I don't take it personally. I'm looking forward to feeling what it is like to play at Estadio de Vallecas with our fans”.

San José said he expects to receive more information during the afternoon about the lack of communication with season-ticket holders and described the situation as complex and uncomfortable for the club and its supporters.

“In the afternoon I'll have more information. The situation is very complex and in complex situations, few good things come out. For us, sportingly, we are suffering a very serious situation of not playing in our stadium. The situation is uncomfortable for everyone and I hope it gets resolved for the good of the club and the fans”.

The coach acknowledged that managers have to handle this kind of press conference, although he set the limits of his responsibility when it comes to explaining club matters.

“Coaches are the ones who have to speak. I can talk about what the club informs me about, but there is a red line I can't cross because I'm not a specialist in certain areas, or it's not my responsibility. I've lived through different situations during my career, but the one of not being able to play in your own stadium in the early stages hadn't happened to me”.

He also explained how he sees the mood of the fans he has been able to speak with.

“The fans I've been able to talk to feel bad. It's normal that they are frustrated and express their opinion; they have every right to”.

RDT and the investment in the transfer market

Regarding the investment made during the window, Beñat San José referred the answer to the sporting directorate, although he showed confidence in the players brought in and in the makeup of the squad.

“I'm not the one who has to answer how much has been invested. That's a matter for the sporting directorate. I have a lot of trust in the players they have brought in. We have a good team and a squad with a very good combination of experience and youth, and established players that the club made a significant effort to keep”.

The future of Raúl de Tomás remains pending the club's decision, which was already working on a solution before the arrival of the coach.

“It's a situation where, before the coach even arrived, the club was already in talks to reach a solution. Now the situation may change. I'm waiting for the club to communicate its final situation to me”.