Iván Ania: “We have fewer points than our play deserves”

Córdoba CF head coach Iván Ania addressed the media ahead of the trip to Albacete Balompié with a clear message: in his view, results haven’t matched the team’s performance. “We have fewer points than our play deserves,” he said, pointing to a gap in finishing and especially in moments inside the box (Sport).

The difference: both areas

Ania explained that several of the goals conceded have come from “pure” penalty-area situations, often connected to side deliveries, where they didn’t react well enough. Still, he highlighted what he sees as the squad’s strong point: their defensive structure, with several solid central defenders and full-backs, plus a reliable goalkeeper.

Pressure and confidence

To turn things around, he stressed the importance of keeping a clean sheet to build confidence, and he believes the team’s pressing has been its best since he arrived. “The defensive system starts from the top,” he added, noting that the side pressures effectively without needing to constantly be outnumbered.

Looking at Albacete

On the opponent, Ania said Albacete have taken just one point from five games and, apart from the match vs Castellón, were close to earning something positive in the rest. The coach also said the week’s training sessions went well and that the team know exactly what they want to do.

There’s also a special storyline with Carlos Marín, an ex-Córdoba captain now at Albacete. “It will make me happy to see him and give him a hug,” Ania said (Sport). He also praised Adnane Ghailan as a key creative player and suggested he can be used as either an interior or as a No. 10/second striker type depending on the tactical plan.

For the trip, Dani Tasende is available, but El Jebari remains unavailable. Córdoba travels with four absences: El Jebari, Adilson, Fomeyem and Jacobo Martí (Sport).