Gaizka Garitano: "We're in shape to beat Athletic"

'We're in shape to beat Athletic,' stated UD Almería Head coach Gaizka Garitano at the pre-match press conference. 'We're going to face one of the best teams in the league, but if we play a good game we can beat them. We've been working during the week to be able to win now. We could've won in previous weeks, we were close to it, but we didn't do it we create a lot of chances, although we lack success, while the opponents with few opportunities are highly effective. We've insisted, without obsessing, to improve in the areas because to be in Primera Division you have to master them,' he explained.

'We must be more decisive in the opposition box and more solid in ours, which is where we concede a lot at very specific moments. I already said that we aren't up to the task of playing in the Primera Division, but referring to the whole team, not just the defensive line. For this reason, as I said, we've worked this week in these aspects and let's see if it gives us the expected performance,' added the Basque Country native. 

For Mr Garitano, this Monday's game is going to be special because 'it's the team of my life, of whom I've been a season-ticker gilder since I was little, but right now the only thing that matters is that UD Almería wins and we are focused on that.'

Athletic club de Bilbao may come with some key absences, although in the opinion of the Rojiblancos' gaffer, it does not matter: 'Above all, it's a block in which everyone works for the team and leaves whoever comes will give perform perfectly. They're playing wonderfully and having a great season.' 

The Indálicos head coach was asked if he was still thinking about staying up considering the difference in points with respect to the safety zone and responded: 'In our situation, we cannot look at the table; but in giving everything to win this next match. It's going to be complicated, but if we do it well we'll have chances.'

The Bilbao-born acknowledged: 'These have been very screwed up months and the most hard times in my career, but despite everything I continue with the same enthusiasm, desire and work capacity than the first day.' 

The UD Almería head coach sent a message for the fans: 'As I've already mentioned, the supporters are the only ones who are up to the task. We don't and we're the ones who have to reverse the situation, winning this Monday.' He also praised the latest addition, Jonathan Viera, so he can contribute football-wise and in other aspects, 'being a player who always goes with the chest first,' although he isn't yet ready to play from the beginning.