“Always with respect, but we have to make it through to the next round”

Gaizka Garitano has talked to the media before their last training session ahead of their second Copa clash of the season, which will take place tomorrow and where Athletic Club will play against Sestao River Club at Las Llanas Stadium (7.00 pm). “Playing single-leg knockout matches makes it possible for the home teams to spring surprises. We already saw how this happened in the first stage: lots of Second Division teams were eliminated, including Alavés, and some of the First Division sides struggled to get past. We must adopt a prudent attitude and play with the utmost respect towards our opponents, but we are a superior team and we have the obligation to make it through to the next round.”

As for Sestao River, tomorrow’s opponents, Garitano said: “They are doing a great season, leading the standings in their Third Division group together with Portugalete. They like taking the reins of the game, although, given that they’re playing against a team of a higher level, they will be likely to play defensively. They will try to make it difficult for us, but it is our obligation to win and keep going forward.” When asked about the condition of the pitch, the red-and-white coach replied: “When the pitch is bad, it’s bad for both sides. If you want to continue in the Copa, you must adapt to all kind of settings. It’s part of the charm of the competition.”

Garitano is expecting a “great game for Biscayan football fans. I spent a long time there with my father when I was a child and I’m glad to be back. They will give their support to Sestao and we will try to make it to the next stage.” Regarding the playing squad for tomorrow’s game, the manager from Derio informed that “some of the players don’t feel completely well. We’ll wait for tomorrow to see if they get better in the next few hours, and then we will announce the squad for the match.”