Gaizka Garitano: “We never let our heads drop”

Athletic Club coach Gaizka Garitano has stressed that his side cannot underestimate their upcoming opponents Cádiz CF.

The Lions face newly promoted Cádiz on Thursday night at 19:00 (CET) in Athletic’s first 2020-21 LaLiga fixture in San Mamés.

Cádiz currently sit in 15th, one place behind Athletic in the LaLiga Santander table. And despite having only picked up one win so far, the Andalusian side have performed well.

“They’re a team that have impressed me quite a lot,” Garitano told the media in his pre-match press conference in Lezama. “They’re well drilled, have a very effective counter-attack and position themselves well tactically.

“They’ve settled in very well in the top tier and we’ll have to be careful. They’re adapting well to the Primera and they’re a dangerous rival.

“I expect it to be a tight game and we’ll have to play very well.”

Garitano also pointed out the mental strength his team possesses when asked, saying: “The side has always been motivated as far as I can see. We’re positive people who always try to improve, reflect on our own shortcomings and there’s a good atmosphere inside the changing room.

“There’s things we have to work on, but at the same time we have our strengths and we never let our heads drop.”

The boss added that it was a group in which all the footballers contribute: “We have players who are constantly improving and fitting in better.

“And bearing in mind that we are going to have many games, that is very important because we are going to need everyone. Every player has a role to play and we all have to bring something to the table if we want to win.”

With respect to the return to San Mamés, manager Garitano revealed that he cannot wait to play in The Cathedral again, but said it would be better if the fans were there.

“We really need the people to return and to fill San Mamés to the brim. It’s so important for us,” he remarked. “We miss our fans a lot. It’s our dream to see our people supporting us again.”