Javi Gracia has reflected on exactly what he wants to see from Osasuna this Friday and that he believes the team are close to achieving.
Los Rojillos head into Week 8’s second fixture tomorrow evening languishing at the foot of the table after a miserable start to the season, with just the one win against six defeats.
Even in travelling out to an in-form Malaga this weekend, the Pamplona side’s Coach is clear and optimistic for what must come.
“We have no other option,” began Gracia in his pre-game Press conference.
“There is a chance to get three points and we have to approach this with the pressure like it is the last game of the season and with the excitement like it is the first game of the season
“We must find that balance and go for the win. I need to see a team that is solid in defence when the rival pushes forward.
“I would like the team to do a good job defensively and see a team with more possession of the ball and able to do more damage when attacking.
“The situation in the table is compromised, but the mood I see is that we are doing things right. This is the way and it must serve as a stimulus because we are getting closer to what the team is capable of.”
Gracia was asked of the refereeing in the Week 7 defeat at home to Levante. Los Granotes scored the only goal through a contentious penalty decision, whilst Alvaro Cejudo was shown a debatable second yellow and saw his complaints earn him a three-match ban.
“Internally I think that these are things we must avoid. Everyone has to take some responsibility for these sanctions.
“As for the referee’s decisions, it is best to correct ourselves than look at other things. It is true that you can criticise certain decisions, but we should not be puzzling over them.”
