Javier Aguirre was on pre-match media duties ahead of our clash with Athletic Club on Friday evening at 2100. Find out what the boss had to say below:
On Nemanja Radonjić: He is in for Bilbao. He will bring speed to the team. He is a very fast and forward-playing guy. Amath brought that to us, but somehow his figure was worn out and for the sake of everything, we decided to make that exchange. He is ready to play. If I need him for the second half, I will put him in.
On Samu Costa: He's coming in. He had a good hit in both the groin and the knee, but the kid contributed a lot. He's been working hard in the morning and in the afternoon and he's here. I don't know if he's ready to start, but he's here.
On Nacho Vidal: He has been here since last week. Let's see if we can involve him, it's up to the manager. The squad is complete except for Maffeo.
On David López: It is a very good operation. I understand that we are making a break for the reserve team. I understand that he is a player who could help me in specific moments, but he speaks well of Mallorca's youth team and the boy is ready. Elche is a great club and we are very pleased. The same with Luna, who will probably go to Mirandés. These are good deals for the club. Like Leo Román and Javi Llabrés it shows that the youth academy is producing players for the first team. We also have Abdón, Darder and Antonio Sánchez who are from the island. The more Balearic people there are in the squad, the more feeling we get from those who come in.
The non-intervention of VAR: Draw your conclusions.
On playing a centre back on the right: Nacho [Vidal] or Gio can play centre back in a line of five. I'm not considering bringing anyone in. The other possibility is that Van der Heyden would leave, but he's staying. I think we are complete with 24 players.
On the transfer window: I am happy. I asked for two players and two came. Nacho can play in two positions and Nemanja helps us in the attacking part because this guy's quality can benefit us.
On Radonjić's position: In a 5-3-2, I see him behind the striker. In a 5-2-3, on the wing. I don't see him as an inside player. From midfield to the back, I don't see it is for him but I do see him from midfield forward.
On a cup-free week: We had a day off. Mentally and physically it was very good for us.
Athletic Club: They are a team that puts a lot of pressure on you, that doesn't let you breathe and that presses you high. Last year we suffered a lot and got an undeserved 0-0 and thanks to Rajkovic they didn't beat us. It was a very demanding match, both physically and mentally. We have to forget about Betis and go out with our batteries fully charged. It will be a match of hard work, of many individual duels, of not losing the ball at the start. We have to have the personality to take the ball and instead of throwing the ball around, we have to play. That's what I ask of my players. And we have done it at the Bernabéu and at the Cívitas Metropolitano, but what happens is that Athletic Club is a different style. They overwhelm you physically on your field, so we have to be at their level physically and mentally from the start.
On Vedat Muriqi: I don't know if he is ready to start, but he can play. He still lacks that spark and speed, to win balls up top, to stay with the ball but he is getting better in training although it's been many weeks. It is normal to readapt to the rhythm of the game.
On progressing: We have the feeling that we can take a step forward. At home we have good numbers. Away is where we owe something and it can be a good stage to take a step forward. Or at least try to do so. The opposition can beat you, but not because you didn't do things right. In terms of commitment, enthusiasm and attitude, we have to take a step forward. With the ball too, not only without it.
On rotating ahead of the Copa del Rey: I'm only thinking about Athletic.
On Cyle Larin: We're talking about American football and the Super Bowl.
