Vitoria – Eduardo Coudet, head coach of Deportivo Alavés, acknowledged that while he remains “calm,” he is fully aware that the team isn’t in the most favorable position, currently sitting in the relegation zone. Speaking ahead of their upcoming match, Coudet expressed a mix of confidence and realism about the team’s situation. Despite the challenging standings, he emphasized his trust in the effort of his players and highlighted the importance of securing points as the season approaches its critical stages.
Current State of Deportivo Alavés Under Coudet
In a press conference, the Argentine coach shared his perspective on the club’s dynamics this far into the 2025/2026 La Liga season. Though acknowledging that the position in the table is not ideal, Coudet remained composed and focused on the positives within the squad. His remarks came just before the team took on Real Betis in the 21st fixture of La Liga EA Sports (the top-tier of Spanish football).
He pointed out that the team has been displaying signs of resilience and growth, especially in recent home matches. Despite setbacks and the pressure of staying afloat in the league, Coudet praised his players for their performance, especially noting the effort against notable rivals like Rayo Vallecano. He believes that although the results have been mixed, the team maintains a clear style of play, which is encouraging for what’s ahead.
Analyzing the Team’s Performance and Outlook
Coudet emphasized the importance of the upcoming game against Betis, a team managed by renowned Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini, widely regarded as one of the top coaches at the international level. He expressed respect for Betis’ quality and the challenge they will pose, underlining that their squad is highly capable and well-organized.
The coach is optimistic about his squad’s mental state. “Veo al grupo bien, trabajando muy bien, muy convencido, así que eso me da tranquilidad,” he said — meaning he sees his team working well and with conviction, which provides him with peace of mind. Still, he clarified that this match isn’t a “final,” in a literal sense, but it remains crucial for their survival hopes.
He also referred to the Copa del Rey, hinting that there could be a “final” for the team there if they keep their dreams alive, but stressed that every league game counts equally. For this reason, Alavés must perform at its best in every fixture, especially at home where recent performances have been promising.
Despite the difficult situation on the table, Coudet highlighted that the team is nearing a standard of points that would have been considered acceptable in previous campaigns. “Lo tengo que resaltar porque si no parece todo negativo,” he noted — meaning he has to point this out, so it doesn’t appear like everything is negative. He candidly admitted that being in the bottom positions is uncomfortable but underlined that a single victory, such as the upcoming Sunday’s game, can dramatically shift perceptions.
He concluded that the key to moving forward is maintaining balance—avoiding emotional peaks and valleys—and not overreacting to the current standings.
Addressing Transfer Market and Squad Management
Coudet was asked about the ongoing transfer market, which remains quiet at Alavés with no new signings this winter transfer window. The coach reiterated that he is focused solely on the squad he currently has. “Trabajo con los jugadores que tenemos, lo que tengo son los que están,” he confirmed — working with what’s available and ignoring the uncertainty of potential signings.
This approach underscores a pragmatic attitude, trusting the players who have remained with the club and encouraging them to give their best. Given the tight financial and sporting constraints, Coudet’s emphasis is on making the most of the current roster, fostering unity, and improving collective performance ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.
Reflections on Goals and Long-Term Strategy
Though the immediate objective is to escape relegation, Coudet remains clear about his broader perspective. While he is focused on the task of accruing points, he also keeps in mind that the team is not far from a form that aligns with their recent better performances. “A un partido de que se diga que están dentro de la mejor puntuación de los últimos años,” he said, pointing out that with just one more game won, Alavés could be on par with their best points tally in recent seasons.
This acknowledgment aims to foster a sense of hope and motivate the squad to push further. However, Coudet admits that the current situation is still far from ideal. “No me gusta estar en la situación que estamos,” he confessed, expressing dissatisfaction with their standing but emphasizing the importance of staying focused and not succumbing to the emotional rollercoaster that can come with a tight relegation battle.
In essence, this season’s path will demand resilience, clarity, and consistent effort. Realistically, the coach knows that small improvements, like solidifying defensive organization, can be vital. “Es importante tratar de mantener la portería en cero, pero también es importante marcar,” he said, highlighting the dual importance of defensive solidity and offensive production.
In summary, Coudet’s message is one of cautious optimism. While his team faces a tough road ahead, he believes that with focus and stability, they can turn things around. The road to safety remains uncertain, but the confidence in his players’ commitment keeps their hope alive as they prepare for a critical phase of the season.
