Monreal’s statements:
(Defeat at Anoeta). “Bitterness no, but we don’t forget. They were three important points that, sadly, we left by the way side, but we hope it’ll serve us in another game. We were correcting mistakes and the coach told us how he wanted us to perform in certain moves.”
(Christmas dinner). “Such occasions bring together the squad and everyone at the Club, we hope that it allows us to be even more united so that we can get some good results before the holidays.”
(Osasuna match). “I was playing with Osasuna for many years so it’ll be a special match as it’s the first time I’ve played against them, I still talk with quite a few of them, and I’m sure we’ll speak on the day. 21 points, they’re in a comfortable place, but as they’re ambitious they’ll be aspiring for more, and I hope they move up as far as they can. On Sunday it has got to be noticed that we’re playing at home, because we’re playing to stay in European positions and we have to win the three points.”
(Competition). “It’s been difficult; I knew that playing matches wasn’t guaranteed. Eliseu has played some great games, now I’m playing and I’m pleased with the level I’m giving. Let’s hope it continues like that. At Osasuna, I was a regular but not at the beginning. The period of adaption was tough but I came through with more experience. Eliseu began but, with hard work and desire, I’ve come back.”
(Summary). “If we gave a summary today it would be a positive one. We’re in a position in which we wanted to be. Of course, the team has a margin for improvement and that’s good. At home we do well, getting points in all matches except in the one against Madrid. Away some points have escaped us, like they did the other day, and these are the ones that’ll allow you to move up.”
(Nekounam out / Osasuna set pieces). “Neko is an important player for them, he gives stability in the centre of the pitch and that suits them well. They’ve got some competitive players, things are working out for them and they’re going to make things difficult for us. Let’s hope we can make the fans happy. With set pieces they get lots of points every year, it’s one of the things we need to bear in mind.”
(Euro 2012 draw). “I was watching it. It’s a group in which no one team is going to make things easy. There’s a really high level, the first game against Italy is going to define the group a lot.”
(Al Thani). “It’s great when he comes to see us; it’s good for the Club that he’s here. We have the obligation – to win - match after match, we have to come out 100 per cent, regardless of who is watching you, this is a club and we have to go day by day.”