As the next stages of the current FIH Hockey Pro League season approach (starting from 5 February), let us hear from the teams beginning their Pro League campaigns soon! Today, Carlos García Cuenca, Head Coach of the Spanish women's team, shares his thoughts.

How is your preparation going for the Pro League matches after achieving the European bronze?

The preparation is going exactly as we had planned. We are very happy and satisfied with the work we are doing. Unlike last season, we carried out some preliminary adaptation work in December, which worked very well for us. We are halfway through the preparation process for the competition and on the right track.

The first matches will take place in Valencia. What do you expect from this start in front of your fans?

Valencia is always a special place to play hockey competitions. It also has a tradition of success, and the treatment we receive from the city and the Valencian federation is exceptional. We feel at home there, and it is possibly one of the best places to start and enjoy the Pro League, helping us achieve the best possible results.

What are your goals this season in the Pro League?

Regarding our goals, we are not changing anything about our current approach. We consider it an obligation to remain in the Pro League. The women’s division is extremely competitive and can produce countless scenarios depending on the opponents. We are very clear that our main and only objective in the Pro League is to stay in the category.

What role does the Pro League play in the team’s development and preparation ahead of competitions like the World Cup?

It is clear that being in the Pro League and being able to play Pro League matches is essential if we want to maintain and continue the process we are currently in. It is a process of improvement, of staying among the top six teams in the world rankings. And in the long term, as we reach the end of the cycle, the goal is to try to break into the Top 4. This becomes very difficult if we are not part of this selected group in the Pro League. That is why maintaining the category and being able to compete year after year in this competition is so important.

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