Training consisted of continuous running, stretching, ball possession work and a mini-match.  

French-born player, Jeremy Toulalan was back in training today, following an injury he sustained several weeks ago.

Reserve players, Pol, Fabrice and Jurado were in training today, whilst Baptista exercised in the gym.

The team is back to work tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the Athletics Stadium.

Martín Demichelis

“It’s important that we start the year surrounded by the support from the fans.  Training was great today, and to have the fans there with us really does boost our confidence.  We’re really eager to get started and perform even better than we did in 2012.  We always keep our feet on the ground, but at the same time we know we’re capable of achieving even greater success.”
 
“We were banking on having 31 points at this stage in the League, as with 60 points, you can qualify for the Champions League, although it’s not guaranteed that we’ll get another 31 points in the second half of the season.  We’re focusing on the fact that if we maintain our concentration, which we’ve shown in numerous games, then we can defeat any rival.  This is what we’ll be concentrating on.”
 
“It’s crucial to have a well-earned rest after such a tough year, both physically and mentally, as it gives us time to recharge our batteries.  However we’re playing our next match in three days so we need to ensure we’re fit and focused on what we need to do.  It’d be good for us to get 34 points before the end of the first round, and would give us a bit of breathing space.”

“Defeating Real Madrid gave us a massive confidence boost and was the perfect way to start the Christmas holidays.  Our fans have got high expectations, and it certainly won’t be easy repeating our success from last year.  We showed that we’re capable of achieving great things, and our aim now is to improve on what we’ve already done.”

“The news came as somewhat of a surprise to us.  The Club has been through some difficulties over the last year, but we have every faith that the appeal will go in our favour.  It’s not really my place to talk about it, we need to concentrate on our job on the pitch and performing as well as we can.”
 
“It’s amazing the length the fans will go to to support us.  We’re always so grateful to them, and are determined to repeat our 2012 success this year.  Our followers have seen some fantastic matches, ending with a great win over Real Madrid after 29 years.  We’re so thankful to our fans and look forward to their continued support in 2013.”

“I’m not going to make any decision with regards to my contract renewal until the League season has finished.  It’ll be a decision that will require a lot of thought and one that I will take a lot of time over.  I’ve got a lot of respect for this profession and the success that I’ve achieved.  If I stay here it will be because I’m so happy, I’ve got a lot of support and play with a group of people who I’m very proud of.  If I do leave, it will be with my head held high, as since I got here we’ve achieved every goal we set ourselves.”

“Deportivo will want to start this year as well as possible.  What with the change in coach and being in last place in the League, doesn’t mean they’ll be an easy rival to beat.  They’ll be very motivated and determined for victory, and will be aware that if we make any mistakes, like we did against Cacereño, or in home games against Rayo and Real Sociedad, they could win.  Either team could win this match.”