Anthony Annan has reflected on adapting to life at Osasuna and admits that he doesn’t understand Jose Luis Mendilibar, but that he soon gets the message.
The Ghana international is at Los Rojillos this season on loan from Schalke and is only just starting to pick up on his Spanish, which has lead to a unique way of interpreting his Coach’s team-talks.
“With the mister [Coach] I did not understand anything, but when I looked at him I understood what I had to do,” the 26-year-old told reporters today in reference to his first few pre-match talks from Mendilibar.
“He’s an aggressive Coach and soon makes it clear what he wants. He speaks only Spanish and when I have difficulty I have to ask the players who know English. The Coach is trying to be more attacking and I’m very glad to be here.
“Before I came here I watched a lot of Spanish football. On the couch it all seems easier, but when you are on the field everyone is strong, they play hard and the teams are very aggressive.
“I think it is one of the best Leagues in the world and I hope to do well here and that Osasuna have a good season.”
The team won their first match of the season last weekend and travel to fellow strugglers Athletic Bilbao this week in an attempt to continue their turnaround.
“We are playing against tough players and the game will be difficult. To win we have to be above our usual level.
“They play at home this weekend and their support will push them to 100 per cent, so we have to give 110 per cent. We are focused on addressing the game well.”
