Garitano: ‘It will be difficult, but I am optimistic’

The coach of Athletic Club, Gaizka Garitano, has appeared in press conference after the last training of his team, in the facilities of Lezama, before the match that tomorrow will open LaLiga Santander against FC Barcelona.

The red-and-white coach has analysed the match with the current champion of the competition and the importance of the supporters: ‘With the atmosphere of San Mamés and the communion we got with the stands last season, it’s like playing with one more. Since last year we have achieved very good results at home. We are aware that it will be difficult, but we are optimistic to make them as difficult as possible.

Garitano expects ‘a very good Barça, but we are prepared to do it well. We are a very strong team at home’. On the rival, Gaizka has recognised his potential: ‘They have won easily the last two leagues and the reinforcements they have brought make them an even better team. We hope to be up to the task to make a good match; we have to make the same match or better than last year to beat them. That’s the goal we have in mind’.