Garitano: “We grew into the game”

Athletic Club manager Gaizka Garitano said he was impressed by the lions’ game management during their 2-0 win against SD Huesca at San Mamés on Friday night.

The lions came out victorious in their LaLiga matchday 14 fixture against the side from Aragon thanks to late goals by Kenan Kodro and Unai Nuñez.

“These are games in which you need to develop as they go on,” Garitano said at his post-match press conference. “It’s not easy for anyone to beat Huesca and we grew into the match.

“The first half was difficult for us, but we came out much better in the second and finished the match off well.”

With an extremely busy Christmas schedule, and games coming thick and fast, Garitano highlighted the importance of Athletic getting some points under their belts in order to generate momentum.

“We’ve had three matches in six days, and maybe we were lacking a bit of freshness,” he said. “But we knew that we had to win and we did. I’m happy for the boys, they’ve done a great job.”

There is no rest for the wicked however, as Athletic face Villarreal at El Madrigal on Tuesday 22nd at 22:00 CET.

“It’s time to rest, take stock and prepare the team so that we can put another three points on the board,” Garitano added.