Javier Aguirre believes his side are ready to hit the ground running following the international break against Celta Vigo.
We are still searching for our first win of the season and will be looking to take all three points against Rafa Benitez’s side as domestic football returns.
"The team has made the most of these 12 days of work,” Aguirre told journalists. “We are working on the tactical aspect. We're struggling at the start, but I'm sure we'll get there. I see the team convinced.
“Our weaknesses can be their strengths and vice versa. Individual duels will be fundamental. It's going to be a nice duel.
"I've known Rafa for years. He's good for La Liga. He's coming to give us a push upwards. Young coaches should look to him as an example to follow.
“He's a great coach, experienced and a winner, with well-organised teams and a lot of tactical work in attack and defence. They have names of their own, with Iago Aspas above them all. It will be very complicated.”
Aguirre will be without Omar Mascarell and José Manuel Copete for the trip to Balaídos, but is looking forward an in-form Vedat Muriqi who found the back of the net twice for Kosovo.
"I'm happy for him. Strikers live on goals. I trust him. He's a professional guy, he's charming and he's doing well."
With the transfer window coming to an end last month, the boss gave his thoughts on the financial situation of the club.
"The board does not put the brakes on us and they are not on top of you,” he continued. “They let me work. They don't get nervous. It gives me a lot of peace of mind that they respect the work and that they do things well. We are all working hand in hand and that's why things are going well.”
