Cádiz face Deportivo de La Coruña in a crucial survival clash. The Yellow Submarine host a direct promotion contender at the Nuevo Mirandilla, which is expected to be packed as in years past. With the fanbase rallying to create a vibrant atmosphere, Idiakez has stressed that “it’s time to close ranks” on a day that could define the team’s short-term future in Segunda División.
The San Sebastián native began by noting that his squad has recovered from the setback in León. “Well, as usual. We had a tough night on the bus, but the team has bounced back. We’ve been focused on preparing for Depor. We want it to be a good day.”
Imanol Idiakez. Photo: Cádiz CF.
“Tomorrow we have a big match. They have a squad built for promotion and are meeting their season objective. It’s a highly demanding and difficult opponent. We’ve come together to raise our level as much as possible. Our goal is to perform at our best against a team that will push us. The team is capable of standing up to them. We play with the fans pushing us, and we know our situation,” he said regarding Depor, who are aiming for promotion to La Liga.
Since the match is against the club he led to Segunda promotion, Idiakez holds special affection for them but wishes them luck only after tomorrow’s encounter. “Obviously, on a personal level, it’s a joy to see people I care about deeply. I have a lot of affection for them personally, but professionally I want the three points. I will do everything in my power to help my players. I hope they do very well after losing here tomorrow.”
Regarding Cultural’s equalizer in the dying minutes, he referenced Arsenal’s management of stoppage time against Atlético Madrid. “I talked about managing the final minutes. If we saw Arsenal… We had situations where we could have made different decisions. Instead of protecting, we went for the third goal. We need to know how to play those minutes. I hope we arrive at that minute ahead because I’m convinced we’ll do better.”
“Everything counts. Obviously, we have to take care of every detail. We saw a card at the start of the match, though it was harsh. Tomorrow we have to push to the limit. Depor have game-changing players up front and one of the best players in the category (Yeremay). We have to give our maximum level with and without the ball,” he stated when asked about Iker Recio’s bookings, who has 15 and will miss the match against the Galician side.
Finally, he praised the Cádiz supporters. “From the outside you already felt it, and from the inside even more. We have a great fanbase that can make a difference. The situation is what it is, and we need them. There will be difficult moments tomorrow because they are a team that does that. We will need the warmth of our people. The situation demands it. It’s time to close ranks and pull this through together.”