Pepe Mel has warned his players to expect a tough game at Osasuna but that they must win it if they are to build up momentum before Christmas.
Mel was speaking ahead of fourth-place Betis’ trip to Pamplona tomorrow to face second-from-bottom Osasuna.
“The players cannot think anything will be given to them, to lose this game would be bad because after it comes a tough schedule,” warned the tactician.
“It will be a difficult game, Osasuna are compact at home. Our absences will be covered with back-ups, the team’s level will not drop.
“We have 26 players and the options in place to compete well until the Christmas break, until which we have to play with much intensity.
“Everyone is prepared for this because they know that it is vital to get to Christmas in a good position.”
