The upcoming match against Athletic Club at San Mamés will be a challenging test for the team, given the Basque team’s effective pressure, intensity, and skilled players. The coach, Míchel, expects his team to deliver their best performance, although it has been difficult for them to find their rhythm away from home.
The team’s new signing, Arthur Melo, will not be included in the upcoming match due to a lack of competitive rhythm, which requires him to train more and get into physical shape. However, Míchel announced that Arthur will be ready for the next match against Getafe on Friday.
When asked about the controversy surrounding recent refereeing decisions, Míchel took a neutral stance, defending the arbitration collective and stating that referees are great professionals who need to be given the respect and tranquility to do their job. He also took a moment to express his support for Kirian, a footballer who recently suffered a cancer relapse and played his last game of the season.
In terms of player updates, Míchel reported that Danjuma is experiencing discomfort in his patellar tendon but is expected to return soon, while Miovski is recovering from an ankle injury and should be back on the field shortly. The coach also praised Arthur Melo’s abilities, stating that he can play in various positions, including alone in the middle of the field or as an attacking midfielder.
Regarding the upcoming match against Athletic, Míchel acknowledged that the team will need to be at their best to overcome the pressure and intensity of the Basque team. He emphasized the importance of having control of the game and being able to make the most of scoring opportunities.
Míchel views the match against Athletic as an important test for his team, stating that it would be a significant achievement to come away with a win. He believes that his team needs to find their rhythm and play to their philosophy, especially in away games, where they have struggled to find their form.
The coach also expressed his confidence in the team’s new signing, Misehouy, who he believes has a lot of talent and potential, despite still adapting to the team and needing to improve his language skills.
Ultimately, Míchel’s goal is for the team to reach 60 points, which would put them in contention for a top-six finish. However, he recognizes that this will require a strong performance in each match, starting with the upcoming game against Athletic.
In a final note, Míchel expressed his appreciation for the culture and language of the regions where he works, stating that he would make an effort to learn and appreciate the local culture, whether it be Catalan or Basque. He also sent his best wishes to Kirian, hoping for a speedy recovery and looking forward to crossing paths again in the future.