Javier Aguirre spoke to the media ahead of our clash against Granada this weekend. Find out what the boss had to say below:
On concentration: "All our energy is focused on this game, which is especially important, for obvious reasons. I can say with total certainty that we will continue to compete as we have been doing. That's what we're going to do."
On absentees: "Samu Costa due to yellow cards and Martin Valjent, who is doing well, but he hasn't finished what the doctor explained to me. Maffeo returns to the call-up list."
On the importance of the match: "We are rivals who are in a close zone. It depends on the 90 minutes if you take off, get closer or stay the same. I'm not one to sell these ideas to the players when the match hasn't been played yet. I do discuss possible scenarios with my coaching staff. I am very pragmatic with the group. The players are aware of the importance of the match."
On Granada: "Here in Spain I have learned the word 'trap matches'. If we think that because we have more points, because we compete well or because we reach the final of the Copa del Rey we are going to win, we would be wrong. We have to fight and play better. I say trap because they do not reflect the points they have with their game."
On Granada's situation: "I understand what the tablesays, but the coach is more than ready to fight and stay LaLiga. I know that my team has to come in tense and live the game. I don't know if they will come without pressure, but I do know that they will run a lot and fight a lot."
On the schedule: "This time there are no complaints to LaLiga's friends. When Kang and Take were here, we were punished for the prime time schedule in Asia."
On satisfaction with Omar and Samu: "Very happy, just as I am very happy with Morlanes and Darder for their progression. I'm also very happy with Antonio Sánchez, because he started from scratch. I am very happy with Dani and his renewal too.”
On youth: "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the youth team that gave us a great joy. I am very proud of them because they are working very well with the youth team.”
