Rubén de la Barrera clarifies Loiodice’s role: he’ll play centrally

Rubén de la Barrera, coach of Las Palmas, shut down the debate after the Eibar goals: “The responsibility was on our pressing, which wasn’t done properly,” adding, “What level of responsibility did Enzo have in the goals? None.” He also addressed Enzo Loiodice’s use, stating Loiodice will play in central midfield, not as a left back.

Pressing and roles

De la Barrera pointed to the team’s weakness on balls played behind the defense as a key factor, while insisting he won’t hide behind excuses: “I don’t see myself as a victim… I’m a coach and my job is to do what I can so it goes well.”

He also defended Jesé amid criticism: “Experience has helped him win in terms of compactness and game understanding.” For the coach, Jesé defends “with intelligence,” and saying he’s “not committed” defensively would be “telling a lie,” per MARCA.

With absences creating opportunities, he said they’ll have to adapt to each match plan, with Andrés Rodríguez among the likeliest options, possibly as a centre-back.