Javi Gracia has backed his Osasuna side to give their all to fight for the chance of upsetting Barcelona this weekend.
Los Rojillos welcome the Catalans to Pamplona on Saturday evening very much as the underdogs and with Barca still on a 100 per cent start to the season.
Even so, Osasuna’s Coach is not giving up the fixture as lost already.
“I do not know if they are the toughest opponent. Yes, they are a very difficult opponent, but it is not impossible,” mused Gracia at today’s pre-game Press conference.
“While this team has its chances, it will give its all in its attempts. We know very well the difficulties because we have seen what they have done in the first eight rounds of the season too.
“And we know the level Barcelona are at, not only this season but in recent years. We would be without sense if we did not realise the difficulty of our next game.
“But we have our hopes, within the possibilities that we have.”
The Coach was asked if he will be setting up his team to sit back and defend.
“I would like to send a message of courage, that the team will be brave and that we will not be a side to sit back defensively.
“But the reality of teams that face Barcelona, that look for possession, is that they have to defend rather than attack.
“They are a team that, in recent games, like for example against Rayo Vallecano, can give up the ball and still win 4-0. Possession is not synonymous with a better result.
“First we will have to defend well for the quality of their players. When we have the ball, I’d like the team to be brave, determined, in search of victory, generating chances. As we are.
“We know of the challenge, we must exploit set-pieces where, to this day, we believe that Barcelona are struggling with a lot.”
