Quique Sánchez Flores on Koski, Aitor Mañas and the doubts in the starting XI against Atlético

Deportivo Alavés

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One of Alavés' main question marks is the availability of Ville Koski, who continues to make progress in his recovery. Quique Sánchez Flores conveyed positive feelings, although he preferred to wait before confirming whether he will be able to play against Atlético.

«The kid is evolving in his own way, it's going well. We're getting good news. And until the players, him and other teammates who are there, get the final clearance and we know how they are, we are not going to start guessing», he explained.

Therefore, Koski remains a doubt for the matchday, as they wait to see how he develops and receive final clearance.

Aitor Mañas convinces the coach

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The manager also had very positive words for Aitor Mañas, who has been working with the first team for a week and is leaving good impressions.

«He's fantastic. We're enjoying it. He's been with us for a week and he's a lad we enjoy. He's going to eat up the pitch», he said.

His comments reflect the coach's confidence in the young player, although he did not confirm whether he will get minutes against Atlético de Madrid.

Doubts in the XI and possible tactical changes

Quique Sánchez Flores admitted that he is still studying different options for taking on the rojiblanco side. The coach is working on changes in the press, the matchups and the selection of the starting players, also taking into account the possible rotations by Diego Simeone.

«We keep moving pieces around on the board. We keep deciding where we want to press, with whom we want to do it», he said.

He also confirmed that there are still two or three situations to resolve, so we'll have to wait for the final training session to get a clearer picture of the squad's availability.

Alavés' plan to stop Atlético

The coach expects a demanding game, different from the one played earlier at San Mamés. He acknowledged that Atlético have a deep squad and highlighted in particular the impact their changes can have in the second half.

Quique stressed that his team will need maximum defensive focus, intensity and precision in transitions to compete against the rojiblancos.

He also pointed to the importance of Mendizorroza and the support of the fans in their bid to secure a positive result.