Rubén Uría: “We’re happy with the team’s attitude towards matches”
Rubén Uría: “We’re happy with the team’s attitude towards matches”
Rubén Uría, taking Marcelino’s place in the dugout at El Sadar, predicts a very even derby clash
Athletic Club’s assistant coach Rubén Uría, taking on media duties in the absence of Marcelino García, who tested postive for COVID-19, said that in general the technical staff are pleased with the side’s performances.
The Lions return to LaLiga action on Monday night, facing CA Osasuna at El Sadar (21:00 CET) in what will be the 4000th fixture in Athletic Club’s history.
“Apart from a few exceptions, we’re happy with the team’s attitude towards matches and with how we’ve been playing so far this season,” Uría said at his pre-match press conference in Lezama.
“It’s true that Osasuna haven’t had good results at home. Both them and us should have more points. But we know what we’re going to encounter. They’re a very direct side and we’ll have to play with a lot of intensity in order to win.”
With COVID-19 cases on the rise, head coach Marcelino, as well as several first-team players will be forced to sit out the fixture.
Uría said: “This is the uncertainty which we have to work with. It hasn’t disrupted our training plans too much because we had enough players to carry on as normal and we’ve also brought some players in from Bilbao Athletic, but it’s true that it’s awkward.
“Over the last few days, thanks to the capabilities of this great club, Marcelino has been in permanent communication with all of us. We have tried to minimise his absence and tomorrow we will try to do the same.
“He’ll still watch the match, but he’ll have a different view of what’s happening.”
Athletic will not play at San Mamés throughout the entire month of January, a busy 30 days which includes Copa and Super Cup encounters. What’s more, recent health restrictions mean no Athletic fans are able to attend Monday’s match at El Sadar.
“It will be strange most of all because we like to play at home,” Uría added. “Furthermore, it’s a pity that we won’t have our 600 fans with us at the stadium tomorrow.
“The fixture list is what it is. We have a special and intense month ahead of us. We have to approach it with optimism.”