I don't need the armband, I speak on the pitch with my performance

UD Las Palmas forward Jesé Rodríguez called for squad unity ahead of Albert Sánchez's debut as manager on Monday at Oviedo.

UD Las Palmas forward Jesé Rodríguez held a press conference on Friday emphasizing the need for squad unity as the club prepares for Albert Sánchez's debut as head coach on Monday at Oviedo in the Segunda División. Sánchez is the third manager of the season, having arrived Thursday to the island.

Jesé expressed respect for the club's decision to hire the Catalan coach and called for patience as he settles in. The forward noted that the team had shown improvement in intensity and defensive work in the last two matches under interim manager Juan Manuel Rodríguez, who has now returned to the reserve team. Jesé stressed that players must also "take a step forward" and play better, suggesting some had disconnected during the recent poor run of results.

"If we're not all united, things will go badly and we're all in the same boat," Jesé said, sending a clear message to his teammates. He set a target of 50 points for survival and described himself as a leader, stating: "I don't need to wear the armband—I speak on the pitch with my performance." The Oviedo fixture represents an important opportunity for the squad to demonstrate their quality.