Garitano: “Our obligation is to win, but we cannot trust.”

“It is a very important competition for us. As a single match we cannot fail or have a bad day, we have to take it with the maximum seriousness. I still do not trust anyone, but our obligation is to win, we are a team of superior category.” Gaizka Garitano has appeared this afternoon in the press room of the facilities of Lezama before the evening training of the first team on the eve of disputing the first round of the Copa del Rey against CF Intercity (9.00 pm) in the Martinez Valero Stadium in Elche.

When asked about CF Intercity, Garitano said it has “professional players who have played in higher categories, and whom I have already faced, such as Peña or David Torres. We cannot be overconfident, and we saw two years ago against Formentera. Even a double match, Athletic was eliminated and that is why we have to take into account that precedent.”

The red-and-white coach also praised the new format of the Copa del Rey that is being launched this season: “I like it very much, the competition is more beautiful like this, with the format of England. The matches are life-or-death, and this gives a chance to the small teams.” Finally, Garitano has acknowledged that, although he will make some changes, the Athletic that will play tomorrow will be a “recognisable team. There are enough rest days until Sunday.”