Post by Bismarck on Feb 2, 2008 14:08:50 GMT
SEVILLE, February 1 (Primera Liga) - Deportivo La Coruna will be hoping to use last week's victory over Real Valladolid as a springboard to safety as they prepare to take on Real Betis on Saturday.
Miguel Angel Lotina's struggling side are 19th in the table and had won just once in 11 games, losing their last three Primera Liga matches on the trot, before beating Valladolid 3-1 last time out.
And coach Lotina has called for a similar display this time around as he puts his faith in much the same team.
``It is evident that we have to do certain things better,'' he said. ``We can't defend the fact that we're so far behind, but in general I'm happy.
``This dressing room can now move forwards, I am sure.
``I have full confidence in this squad.''
The Depor boss also revealed Gustavo Munua would be in the team for the first time since his spectacular fall-out with fellow goalkeeper Dudu Aouate saw him given a suspended six-month prison sentence.
But Lotina was full of praise for young keeper Fabricio, who was thrust into the first team after the training-ground incident which left Aouate needing stitches in a face wound.
``I am very satisfied with the work and effort of Fabricio,'' he added.
Fabricio kept the Valladolid attack at bay nearly all the game before conceding a solitary goal seven minutes from time and is confident of doing the same at the Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.
``I am calm in my new position as first-team keeper,'' he said. ``After the game Munua and Aouate congratulated me on my performance.
``The team are adapting very well to the system.
``All the games from now on are finals and Betis is our direct rival.''
Betis have been in better form since Francisco Chaparro took over from previous coach Hector Cuper, and their victory at Espanyol on Sunday saw them put a bit of daylight between themselves and the bottom three.
The Verdiblancos have now only lost one of their past seven games but midfielder Jesus Capitan knows his side have to dig in deep to continue that good run against Depor.
``We will have to suffer to beat Depor,'' he said. ``It will be harder than Sunday's game.
``But a victory is always synonymous with being able to face the week better in that it generates a good atmosphere.
``We are convinced we can beat anyone and that shows that the main problem in this team before was a mental one.
``But even so, keeping up this run of results will be very difficult.
``At Betis there are things that need to be corrected in order not to be so low. Fighting for safety three years in a row shows that something is very wrong - without pointing a finger at anyone.
``I hope things change soon and we can fight for other aims.''
Long-term absentees Toni Doblas and David Rivas are still out for Betis, while Fernando joins them on the sidelines and Nano could miss out too.
Andres Guardado has been included in Lotina's squad for the trip but is likely to start on the bench as he continues to recover from the injury he sustained against Valladolid.
Miguel Angel Lotina's struggling side are 19th in the table and had won just once in 11 games, losing their last three Primera Liga matches on the trot, before beating Valladolid 3-1 last time out.
And coach Lotina has called for a similar display this time around as he puts his faith in much the same team.
``It is evident that we have to do certain things better,'' he said. ``We can't defend the fact that we're so far behind, but in general I'm happy.
``This dressing room can now move forwards, I am sure.
``I have full confidence in this squad.''
The Depor boss also revealed Gustavo Munua would be in the team for the first time since his spectacular fall-out with fellow goalkeeper Dudu Aouate saw him given a suspended six-month prison sentence.
But Lotina was full of praise for young keeper Fabricio, who was thrust into the first team after the training-ground incident which left Aouate needing stitches in a face wound.
``I am very satisfied with the work and effort of Fabricio,'' he added.
Fabricio kept the Valladolid attack at bay nearly all the game before conceding a solitary goal seven minutes from time and is confident of doing the same at the Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.
``I am calm in my new position as first-team keeper,'' he said. ``After the game Munua and Aouate congratulated me on my performance.
``The team are adapting very well to the system.
``All the games from now on are finals and Betis is our direct rival.''
Betis have been in better form since Francisco Chaparro took over from previous coach Hector Cuper, and their victory at Espanyol on Sunday saw them put a bit of daylight between themselves and the bottom three.
The Verdiblancos have now only lost one of their past seven games but midfielder Jesus Capitan knows his side have to dig in deep to continue that good run against Depor.
``We will have to suffer to beat Depor,'' he said. ``It will be harder than Sunday's game.
``But a victory is always synonymous with being able to face the week better in that it generates a good atmosphere.
``We are convinced we can beat anyone and that shows that the main problem in this team before was a mental one.
``But even so, keeping up this run of results will be very difficult.
``At Betis there are things that need to be corrected in order not to be so low. Fighting for safety three years in a row shows that something is very wrong - without pointing a finger at anyone.
``I hope things change soon and we can fight for other aims.''
Long-term absentees Toni Doblas and David Rivas are still out for Betis, while Fernando joins them on the sidelines and Nano could miss out too.
Andres Guardado has been included in Lotina's squad for the trip but is likely to start on the bench as he continues to recover from the injury he sustained against Valladolid.