VÍCTOR ORTA: "ABOVE ALL WE NEED TO BE STRONG IN BOTH BOXES"

As with every away European game, Víctor Orta was in attendance and spoke to the media on the morning of a vital match in Lens: "We are going through a very difficult few weeks. Mentally, we are all focused on today's match. We are all angry that our recent performances haven't got what they deserved. Now we have to show it on the pitch and this time convert a good performance into a good result, which, critically, would secure us European football in the new year. We can't change past results nor hide from them, instead we must learn from them. We have to get to the bottom of what has caused them. I don't want to ask for more patience, we have to win games from today, but I see an evolution, that the players believe, that we are starting to implement [Diego Alonso's] style of play, but the results are not coming. Everything else, which ultimately is still less important than results, is being done well. That's why we have to make an overarching judgment, as well as recognising that we have to win now".

When asked if he had been disappointed by what he has seen from Diego Alonso, Orta gave the following response: "It all mirrors what he told us in the interview. He has not lied at all about how he was going to go about his work, the day-to-day, his training method, pre-match analysis, the game plan.... Lately we have begun to implement all this and against Mallorca we were clearly the better side and the one that wanted it more, that could have won but didn't manage to do so. I'm not disappointed. None of us expected the results we've had so far, nor him, it's now time for the hard work to start paying off". As to whether he fears that these results will lead to Alonso's demise, he was honest: "In some ways you have to, yes. We've seen it many times at many different clubs. You can't be a coach purely based on how hard you work. It's cruel, but results are the currency of success in football."

"Recently we've played well, but it has to come back to results."

The sporting director also discussed the fanbase: "They're asking a lot of questions at a time when things aren't 100% clear. Banning them from the Lens game was incredibly harsh and a radical move that we had no control over. But, even if it feels unfair, we have to pick ourselves up and put in a performance for the fans because they deserve it. As those who work for the club, we feel it too, so hopefully we can repay them tonight for all their loyalty." 

Orta then addressed the January transfer market: "We have to assess all our options in the market and consider the complications of the African Cup of Nations. The African internationals won't be available so we'll need the whole squad and we'll be working on both incomings and outgoings. We have to be proactive because a couple of key signings could make a huge difference for us this season and beyond. We have 25 places in the squad but no decisions have been made yet. We'll have to see who comes in and who leaves. It's our job to do as much as we can in the market."

The sporting director rounded off by once more showing his backing for Diego Alonso: "There are different types of defeat. It's not black and white. I want to keep believing in our chances of turning this bad run around. Nothing, good or bad, lasts forever. If we stick together we'll get through it, that much is clear from seeing the players every day." Finally, Orta also touched on Lens: "They improved. Openda left and Wahi came in. They've been patient and that has allowed them to get to where they are now. Aside from the away game at Arsenal, they don't concede many goals. This is a high-pressure game but we should look at PSV who dominated the ball when they came here. We have to be brave and show what we're capable of. More than anything we have to control the two penalty areas. We have to take our chances and deny theirs."