Quique wants to restore Alavés’ morale before the trip to Seville

“What worries us most now is restoring the players’ morale,” Quique said. On the eve of Alavés’ trip to the Sánchez-Pizjuán on Friday, the coach summed up his priority: getting the squad into a position to face what comes next as the team goes through a difficult spell. He also stressed the players’ role in any recovery: they are the ones, he said, who must help the team get through it.

Quique Sánchez Flores’ appearance in Vitoria was his most subdued since arriving there. Tragic events have affected both the coach and the group. Jesús de Miguel described their impact: “We are in pain and sadness. We have felt the effect on the group’s morale because we have lost a teammate. We send our condolences to his family and friends.” His words give a human dimension to the coach’s stated priority: the current challenge is not only about results.

The sporting calendar nevertheless brings an immediate test. Alavés have gone seven rounds without a win, and Quique hopes to claim victory on Friday, before the break, and end that run. He expects a difficult match against Sevilla in what he described as a tense atmosphere, with a strongly supportive crowd. Beyond streaks and the standings, he said, the task is also to help the players regain confidence.

Quique also spoke about the need to return to simple reference points as a way of getting the team moving again. “When there is confusion, you have to go back to the simplest things and look for the most straightforward solutions,” he said, recalling that Alavés had been competitive at the start. He added that intensity and decisiveness can be trained: the team must make an additional effort despite its current state of mind.

The pre-match squad update said that everyone would be available apart from Mikel and Facundo. Quique also praised Sevilla, particularly its supporters, whom he called outstanding, as well as the club and its history. His main message, however, remains focused on Alavés: the team needs to regain enough belief to try to secure a win before the break.