Alavés' Pablo Ibáñez calls for ruthlessness as relegation battle intensifies
Midfielder Pablo Ibáñez urges Alavés to show more aggression in both boxes as they aim to escape the drop zone with crucial Betis clash approaching.
Weeks are dragging like a month of Sundays at Ibaia training ground as Alavés find themselves in the relegation zone for the first time this season.
Ibáñez urges mental strength
Pablo Ibáñez, one of Alavés’ most consistent summer signings, has called for unity and mental fortitude as the Basque side look to escape their current predicament.
“It’s a complicated moment and only mentally strong teams get out of these situations,” the Navarrese midfielder explained, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility while maintaining squad harmony.
The former Racing Santander man hasn’t shied away from identifying where improvements must be made. Alavés have been their own worst enemies in crucial moments at both ends of the pitch.
Box-to-box troubles
“We need to be much more aggressive both defensively and offensively,” Ibáñez insisted, pinpointing the team’s lack of ruthlessness as the primary issue behind their poor run.
Despite often feeling they’ve deserved more from matches, results haven’t reflected performances – a common tale of woe for struggling sides. The stats don’t lie though, and Eduardo Coudet’s men haven’t tasted victory since their December derby triumph against Real Sociedad.
Crucial fixtures ahead
This Sunday’s home clash against Real Betis has taken on enormous significance:
- Must-win scenario for Alavés
- Club celebrating its 105th anniversary
- Opportunity to climb out of the bottom three
“We need the win no matter what,” stated Ibáñez, who’s confident the Mendizorroza faithful will back them during this difficult period.
Copa dream alive
The midfielder also expressed excitement about their Copa del Rey quarter-final against Real Sociedad, viewing the cup as a welcome distraction and potential route to glory.
“We’re excited to return to Mendi… the Cup is a very exciting competition, we could find ourselves among the best four,” he concluded, showing that despite league struggles, ambition remains high in Vitoria-Gasteiz.