Javier Aguirre spoke with the media ahead of our Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad on Tuesday evening. Find out what he had to say below:
On the excitement for the Copa del Rey: "There is a lot of excitement in the team. There are people who have never reached a semi-final before. We are very excited. It's the last game of the cup at home and we have to give a good showing in front of our people."
On Radonjić: "Today, as of 13.30, he is not available, but there is hope that he will be available for tomorrow's match."
On tomorrow's match: "It is a match that does not end here. We must not get nervous or lose order. Here we tied, Amath had a chance in 85th minute to make it 2-1 and there we couldn't do it with avoidable goals. I love this team because they do everything very well within the rules.”
On a lack of experience: "I tell those who have experience to transmit their enthusiasm and share their experiences. They know what is at stake in these 180 minutes."
On our last league match: "The mistake we made in Bilbao was that we lost fifteen balls in our own half. We were easy prey. The first two goals were a real shock. We didn't know how to read the game well under high pressure and believe me, we won't make a mistake like that tomorrow."
On a two-legged tie: "Before, the away goal was worth double. Now that the double goal has been removed, you have to understand that it's 180 minutes. You can win or lose by a difference of two goals and nothing happens because there is another game where you can win or lose by two goals."
On Samu Costa: "He is ready and prepared."
On the importance for Aguirre: "This match is perhaps the most important game apart from Sevilla after the 2-6 [2021/22 season]. That was the key. If Manolo Reina didn't get his hand out in that game and without Abdón's goal against Rayo, I wouldn't be here."
On those missing: "Maffeo and Raillo."
