“Villareal will not face an easy match tomorrow”

Athletic Club’s manager Gaizka Garitano has talked to the media in the press conference held at Lezama this morning ahead of their las training session of the week, before their contest with Villarreal CF at San Mamés (Sunday 1 March, 2.00 pm) with Óscar De Marcos and Asier Villalibre as the only confirmed injured players. “We’re playing against a great team that have eight or nine players capable of scoring, with three aggressive forwards; offensively, they’re the most resourceful team, not counting Real Madrid or Barça. But we have played two games against them and they haven’t beaten us in any of the matches played in their stadium.”

Despite ten consecutive matches without winning in LaLiga Santander, Garitano pointed out that “in a year a half no one has beaten us easily. Being comfortable on the pitch, we haven’t been able to win. If the side continues with this dynamic of play, we’ll eventually get a victory. The best way to get to the match on Thursday is by winning tomorrow: victories give you confidence and faith.”

Athletic Club’s coach stressed the importance of playing at a stadium where the team are fervently supported by their fans. “We have to be more united than ever in such an important week, we need the support of our people at San Mamés because that’s what keeps us alive.”

“I find the team strong and mentally prepared, despite not having won recently, I see they are working well and with confidence, they’ve always stood up to any hard situation.” Despite the praise for their opponents’ tomorrow, Garitano has affirmed that “Villareal will not face an easy match tomorrow”.