Borja lying next to Ryan after failing to make a shot. | MARTA G. BREA
Claudio Giráldez did not hide his frustration after seeing Celta de Vigo fall back into their old habits at home against relegation-threatened opponents. “The responsibility is mine. If you can’t pick up points at your own stadium with the support of your fans and a favorable context, it’s my fault,” he admitted.
However, he also pointed fingers at his players for their execution. “When you think you’re better than a rival of the same level, you lose. When you slow down the pace and conserve energy during the game plan, the opponent — who has talent and is fighting for survival — can keep you pinned in a low block for long stretches,” he analyzed.
In his view, this flaw has led to conceding equalizers from long range. “We gave them too much time. We played with an energy level that wasn’t appropriate when we were ahead on the scoreboard. Instead of going for the kill and putting distance between us, we reacted too late.”
He described himself as “disappointed because the team had very good moments and very bad moments. When we take the lead, we aren’t able to close out matches. We don’t feel comfortable in tight games. We play too hastily.”
The poor home record is “a shame,” although it hasn’t prevented the team from being in contention for European qualification. “It means a lot to be where we are now, depending on ourselves to qualify for Europe with two matchdays left. I hope we achieve it.”
He ventured a prediction about what a return to continental competition would demand, though it all depends on results from pursuers like Getafe and Athletic Club. “We need to get four points, I think. The matchday is just starting; we’ll see what happens. We know we control our destiny. We have to show the version we’ve shown in flashes but consistently. Many times, the mind tends to relax, and if your concern drops, the dynamic changes. That’s something we have to learn. It has cost us many points this season.” He ended on an optimistic note: “I’m convinced we will achieve it.”