Jagoba Arrasate, Osasuna coach, opened the press conference prior to the Copa del Rey match against Atlético Calatayud with a message of solidarity after the tragic train accident that occurred in Toledo on Wednesday. The coach expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, stressing that football can be a refuge in difficult times and that Thursday's game will be a “celebration” for the team, despite the seriousness of recent events.
The match, which will be held in the first round of the competition, is presented as an important challenge for Osasuna. Arrasate spoke of the need to respect the opponent and prepare the game carefully, before demonstrating supposed superiority on the field. He pointed out that the Calatayud stadium is a “good, large field” that will allow almost all the players to be observed in good shape, except for the injured ones, which will facilitate a more precise diagnosis of the team's status.
Regarding the previous phase, the coach recalled the victory against Racing and the recent defeat against Sevilla, highlighting the “disappointment” that arose after the result. Arrasate explained that, although some think that the match did not go well, he sees the reality that Sevilla is one point ahead. He mentioned the importance of maintaining intensity from the beginning and not losing motivation when the score goes against you, something that has been a point of debate in recent matches.
The coach also stressed the need to recover injured players to make real progress. “To win away from home you have to give more continuity to those early minutes and if you concede a goal you have to maintain your effort in the game,” he stated, underlining the importance of having solid arguments in critical moments.
Regarding Atlético Calatayud, Arrasate showed optimism, describing the team as “excitement and seriousness” that deserves to be faced with enthusiasm. He considered that the club, although in a lower category, has the possibility of competing at a higher level. The coach concluded that the key will be to start with enthusiasm and seriousness, staying alive in each round to advance in the competition.
With the match scheduled for Thursday, Osasuna is preparing for a match that, according to Arrasate, will be decisive for its trajectory in the Copa del Rey. The team seeks to consolidate its position and demonstrate that, despite setbacks, they can overcome their rival and continue advancing in the competition.