Personal performance

“I’m pleased with my goal.  On a personal level it will help me to keep gaining minutes on the pitch and boost my confidence, which is what I’m lacking following such a lengthy time out following my injury.  I’m hoping I can score again in our next LaLiga match.”

Goal success

“The team is working hard not just to score goals, but to win matches.  Obviously goals enable you to do that, so the three points earned in each game mount up with more consistency.  We’re hoping to play a great game at San Mamés, so it’s a turning point for us.”

Next LaLiga rival

“San Mamés is a difficult ground, but also a fantastic stadium to play football.  The atmosphere is always great, the fans really get behind the team.  We need a turning point at this stage in the season, so we must perform well there.”

Juanpi

Open Cup tie

“The tie is wide open and the goal we scored could help us in the return leg.  The team showed a good attitude, and we had two or three chances where we hit the post.”

Non-regulars

“Many players who don’t often get the chance to play showed they were extremely keen against a tough rival, with whom we had to remain completely focused.”

San Mamés

“There’s no better way to end our negative streak in away matches than to achieve a positive result against Athletic.  I’m confident we’ll come home with a good result this weekend.”