Levante UD's coach is focusing on winning the Segunda División championship after securing promotion to La Liga earlier this week. Despite the celebrations following their return to Spain's top flight, the manager has quickly shifted attention to Sunday's final match against in-form "Eibar."
"We celebrated Monday and Tuesday, but since Wednesday there's been a demand because we have to set new challenges," the coach explained during Friday's press conference. "We have a very nice challenge, which is to become champions."
The stadium is expected to be packed with over 20,000 fans for Sunday's match – nearly double the 11,000 who attended their first match of the season. This surge in attendance reflects the renewed enthusiasm surrounding the club following their successful promotion campaign.
However, the coach will have to manage without key players for the season finale. Iván Romero won't be available as he's still recovering from injury, while Kochorashvili is also unlikely to feature despite hopes he could make a farewell appearance.
"He has to make his own decision. We cannot put his health at risk," the coach said regarding Kochorashvili. "He's already risked enough by playing when he really should have stopped."
Interestingly, there's more than just pride at stake in the championship decider. According to Statbet analysis, winning the Segunda División title could bring Levante an additional €2.5 million – funds that could significantly impact their transfer plans for the upcoming La Liga campaign.
"In this club, €2 million is a lot of money," the coach emphasized. "Maybe with two and a half million you have three more players, and good ones."
Regarding next season's squad, the coach confirmed his desire to keep promising young player Carlos Álvarez, though acknowledged the realities of the transfer market.
"I've already spoken with him and, obviously, his intention is to stay," he said. "We want him to stay and we're going to try to do everything possible for him to be here with us."
Despite the enormity of the achievement, the coach admitted he hasn't fully processed the promotion yet. "I still don't feel situated. I don't know why. Obviously I'm aware of what we've achieved, but I'm not giving it all the importance I know it has."
What's next for Levante? The coach is already looking ahead to the Primera División challenge: "I like to compete with the best. What happens? They're very good and you have to push yourself to the maximum."
No vacation plans either – Monday begins full preparation for building a competitive team for La Liga. Will they survive among Spain's elite next season?
