Jagoba Arrasate was on pre-match media duties ahead of our trip to UD Las Palmas. Find out what the boss had to say below at his press conference:
On preparation after two defeats: The team is really looking forward to it. We're coming off the back of two defeats, painful ones too, and you want to play as soon as possible. The wait has been long, but I think the sessions have gone well. We are ready.
On absentees and players on international duty: It's true that we have some absentees. Larin is out; he has arrived with some discomfort. It's not an injury as such, but there is some discomfort that prevents him from being at 100%. He can't sprint, there is a risk of injury and he won't be travelling. The others are fine, with different faces: Mojica with defeat, Dominik got a victory, Samu happy, Omar the same, but all thinking about the team and tomorrow's match. Pablo Maffeo is also out. He has an injury that he has been carrying since the match against Atlético. Hopefully he'll be fit next week, as will Abdón. We also have Lato, Takuma Asano and ‘Pichu’ Cuellar out.
On Mateu Morey: Mateu had an injury at the beginning, but he has come back well, he is accumulating sessions and, in theory, he is the right-back next to Maffeo. I have a lot of confidence in Antonio Sánchez because when he has played he has done well. I'm very clear about who has to play tomorrow.
On away performances: The team has been below its best in the last two away games, against Espanyol and Alavés. Away from home we struggled, but we managed three wins, which is very difficult. Tomorrow we have an opportunity to improve our performances, especially in what we have done away from home until today.
On Takuma Asano: We have to be careful with him because he's been out for a while now. It's a complicated muscular issue to manage. He is a player who goes to the limit, reaches high speeds and we have to work on his recovery. This week he has done a good job and next week, when we see him with the group, we will see that he is closer to returning. We all want to count on Asano, but we want to do well, that's why we are being careful.
On UD Las Palmas: I've known Diego for many years. We've played against each other many times in Segunda, in promotions, and now in Primera. It's another Las Palmas. It's difficult to go from going more than 20 games without a win to winning three out of four in the league, plus the cup. We will come up against a team with a lot of confidence and self-esteem, tremendously competitive and in great form.
On options in attack: The squad is missing two of the three strikers in the squad. We have Marc Domenech, who can play with Muriqi, and also an option with a deeper and more vertical player behind Muriqi. Another option is Dani Rodríguez, who has already played there many times. I never think about those who are missing, I always look for solutions. We can put out a very competitive eleven tomorrow, we have changes of level and we have to go all out.
On the team’s situation at the break: It's not ideal. Many teams are in similar situations. So are Las Palmas. You have to optimise what you have and make the sessions productive. When the eve of the game arrives, we get straight into what we have to do.
On Dani Rodríguez's leadership: I'm very aware of Dani. I think he's played every game, whether he's started or come off the bench. He's the first to arrive, the one who takes the most care of himself, the one who trains the best. He is a leader, an example for everyone. I'm happy with his performance; he's an important player for me.
On scoring: Ten goals in 13 games is not enough. You have to work on efficiency and improve it, but you also have to generate more offensive volume. The strikers need more chances. I hope these numbers improve. The team has the potential to be effective.
On Antonio Raíllo: He's having a great season. He has played everything. His performance marks him out: he's essential. He hasn't had any mishaps. He's our leader and captain, and there's no reason why he shouldn't be.
On Abdón Prats: I hope he'll be ready for next week. From the first day he has helped me a lot. He would probably like to play more, but with me he is respectful and affectionate. I'm delighted that he's still with us because he brings a lot to the team.
On defensive work: The defensive work is collective, starting with the pressure from the front. In defence in the penalty area we are a powerful team and the goalkeepers are at a good level. That's why we've only conceded ten goals. We have to continue to give the same importance to defensive work.