Jose Alberto on Puerta, Andres Martin, Mantilla and the defensive competition ahead of Rayo

Real Racing Club Santander

The departure of Gustavo Puerta forces the search for alternatives

One of the main updates is the move of Gustavo Puerta, a player Jose Alberto considered extremely important within the squad. "It is clear that nobody wanted Gustavo Puerta to leave the team. We are talking about a player with an enormous level". The coach, however, does not want to dwell on it and believes he has enough resources to cover his absence. "I honestly believe we have players of sufficient quality to cover Gustavo Puerta's departure". In fantasy terms, his exit opens up a new battle for minutes in Racing's midfield.

Attention to Andres Martin's situation

15

Andrés Martín
5.500.000€-10.000€ ?

J4

7

J3

-3

J2

11

J1

DL

01

Jose Alberto also mentioned Andres Martin when discussing possible major absences, comparing his situation to Puerta's departure. "Igual as happens when a team loses an important player to injury, as could be the case with Andres Martin, we have two options: to keep lamenting [...] or to work to find solutions". The manager did not go into the extent of his problems, but his words make it clear that his availability is something to keep an eye on ahead of this matchday.

Strong backing for Mantilla

8

Mantilla
1.720.000€ ?

J4

4

J3

2

J2

2

J1

DF

00

Jose Alberto was much more forceful about Alvaro Mantilla. "Alvaro Mantilla is delivering extraordinary performances". The coach also said that his internal assessment of the player is even higher than what may exist from the outside. Confidence is at its highest, and the fact that Racing have not signed another full-back further strengthens his position in the squad.

Several options at full-back

Jose Alberto explained that he has different players who can operate in that position. Pablo Ramon, Manu Hernando, Iker Luque and Iñigo Sainz-Maza can provide solutions at full-back if the team needs it. This versatility led Racing to prioritize signing a centre-back rather than bringing in another full-back. For fantasy, the message is twofold: Mantilla starts with a lot of confidence from the coach, but there is enough competition to introduce changes when the fixture congestion arrives.

Salinas remains important

13

Jorge Salinas
3.240.000€-20.000€ ?

J4

2

J3

6

J2

5

J1

DF

00

Jose Alberto also highlighted the importance of managing to keep Jorge Salinas after the transfer window closed. The coach is happy with the squad and believes the new signings increase the competition. "It will be the players themselves who determine their minutes based on their performances, both in training and in matches".

Fantasy take

The departure of Gustavo Puerta creates opportunities in midfield, while Andres Martin's physical situation will need to be closely monitored. In defence, the name that comes out most strengthened is Mantilla: Jose Alberto clearly praises his performances and confirms that the club decided not to sign another full-back because it trusts the solutions it already has in the squad. That said, the competition will be high and the coach makes it clear that minutes will depend on performance.