Osasuna captain Miguel Flano feels it is time for the players to respond with actions and not words after the poor start to the season.
The 28-year-old, who has been with the Pamplona club his entire career, also appealed for unity after a disastrous first five games in which only one point has been taken from a possible 15.
“It’s true that because of the last five results there may be some disappointment and discouragement around the club, but if we are united we are a strong team and difficult for anyone to beat.
“At the moment the only thing we are thinking of is the game against Levante [on Sunday].
We must be at our best and with the help of our fans we can take a step forward. I’m sure that is what we are going to do,” he told the club’s official website.
For Flano, the time has now come for the Osasuna players to stand up and be counted.
“For better or worse everything is often exaggerated but right now words don’t mean much, only actions. We have to put into practice what we have spoken about for 90 minutes of a very difficult match.
“We play a lot of football, yet we need the points and must understand how to play under pressure. In the elite it’s normal that there is pressure and, at this difficult time, we have to know how to channel it into something positive.”
Even so, Flano insists that the atmosphere within the dressing room is relaxed despite Los Rojillos’ lying bottom of the table.
“There is optimism and perhaps others are more troubled by things. However, optimism should not be confused with reality and the reality is that the team needs to gain strength both on and off the pitch.
“Those who play and those who don’t play have to pull together to get us out of this. We are a strong team but so far we haven’t proved it.”
Flano was left out of the team that lost 3-1 at Real Zaragoza last week and hopes to win his place back against Levante, although he says his own personal situation is secondary to the needs of the team.
“Every player must abide by the Coach’s decisions. I’m keen and I’m ready to play but whether I do or not is beside the point.
“I say that sincerely because the main thing is to help the team whenever you can,” he concluded.
