Injury
“I’m much better in training. In order to play, the wound must be covered up. The doctor did a very good job and I’m perfectly fit to play”.
Convinced
“We’re aware of the situation. It’s clear that it hasn’t been the start we all hoped for. One thing is clear, we’re convinced we’ll turn the situation around. We’re preparing for Saturday’s game with full conviction we’ll claim the three points. I think now’s the time to take everything we have inside and show more unity than ever, both within the dressing room and the fans. Saturday’s match is very important for us, and we wholeheartedly believe we can win”.
Self-critical
“We have to be a little self-critical, as it’s because of us that we’re in this situation. I think the fundamental thing now is to be aware, forget the rest, because the 25 of us here are the ones who are going to turn this around. It’s up to us, the work we do, and are doing well. We need to know that, in order to win a game, just performing well in one half isn’t good enough. There must be far more consistency throughout the 90 minutes”.
Míchel
“There is absolute conviction that he is the coach who will turn this position around, along with ourselves. We’re all totally behind him”.
Turn the situation around
“Above and beyond the planning and systems of play, when we haven’t won a single point in five games, the ones responsible are the players, we’re the ones who go out there and play. We’ve got time, there’s a very long way to go yet, the season has just started. Of course, it’s not gone the way we wanted it to, but within the dressing room we’re certain we can turn this situation around”.
Athletic Club
“Athletic de Bilbao we know are a very strong team, who every year are in the fight for the top spots. Although they’ve suffered two defeats on the bounce, we’re aware they’re a tough rival, intense and very difficult. In order to beat them we need to be at 100 per cent, minimise mistakes, be consistent, and above all, make the most of the huge boost the fans will give us”.
Support from fans
“They are an exemplary fanbase, who have always been there when things aren’t going well, as we’ll see on Saturday. For us, we’re proud to have them behind us, particularly in the dynamic we’re in now, this is when we need them the most. I ask for their utmost support, which I know we’ll have, before, during and after the game. I think we all need a boost now, and it’s an honour for us to have their backing in these circumstances”.
