Gaizka Garitano: “We have an opportunity to change the dynamic”

Athletic Club manager Gaizka Garitano is keen for his players to use tomorrow’s match against Levante as an opportunity to gain confidence.

The Lions take on Valencian outfit Levante UD at San Mamés on Sunday at 14:00 CET. It’s Athletic’s fifth LaLiga Santander game of the season, but only their second LaLiga fixture at home in 2020-21.

“We have an opportunity to change the dynamic, and to renew our energy and confidence,” the Athletic Club coach said during his pre-match press conference. “We’re playing at San Mamés and the team will go for the win with everything they’ve got.”

Garitano spoke about the stop-start nature of the beginning of Athletic’s 2020-21 LaLiga campaign, but refused to make excuses when asked about the side’s recent performances.

“LaLiga has only just begun,” Garitano said. “But it’s true, it’s not an easy situation when you lose and then there’s a 15-day break.

“However, the most important thing is that the squad is relaxed, united and aware of what a club like Athletic deserves. We have an obligation to win, we embrace that and try to make sure the pressure makes us better.”

Garitano insisted that the lions will break their goalscoring duck sooner rather than later, saying: “The only way to maintain confidence is to believe in what you are doing and stick together. I’m sure the goals will come and with them good results, too.”