Quique Setien rued the absence of key midfielder Roque Mesa as his Las Palmas side were held to a 1-1 draw at Deportivo Alaves.
Alexis gave the Basque side a fourth minute lead but Marko Livaja levelled for the visitors in the second half as they remained in the top half of the table.
“Roque is a very important player for us and I think that showed even today when he was not in the team,” explained Setien after the match.
“Montoro (Mesa’s replacement) is an exemplary player – he waits to get his chance and works hard, he played well today and was an important part of the side.”
The 58-year-old lamented his side conceding so early, believing that falling behind to such a motivated and organised team makes the situation particularly difficult.
“Alaves have been very strong this season and started really well, maybe that took us aback a little,” he continued.
“We lacked desire in the opening stages but we responded well and frankly we had enough chances to win the game in the second half.”