Gracia: "The players feel the confidence that good results give"

Javi Gracia gave his thoughts on Thursday night's 7pm CET kickoff against CA Osasuna in a pre-match press conference, in which he also revealed that he would have ample resources to draw upon with an almost complete squad.

A very important match

"When we went to Valladolid there was also talk of it being a 'final.' The next game is a final. The next one will also be another final. This is how we will face all of our matches. In LaLiga, due to the situation we are in, we are aware of the importance of each game and the points at stake. The players know the importance of each game."

More confidence amongst the players

"I don't think about what position we will be in at the end of the season. I don't think it's bad that my players are chasing ambitious goals, because I think it is something that can help and shows that the player's state of mind is positive. In these moments the players feel the confidence that good results give, and have optimism. This is the result of hard work and results. These are dynamics that we have to try to take advantage of."

Points to improve

"Winning helps make improvement more possible. Our stats in terms of goals conceded were excessively high, and that is something that we must improve. We must allow fewer chances to the opponents. We are getting a little closer and we need to improve a lot. It is a phase of our game that we must improve. Having these variants in our offensive play is good, and having the possibility of more possession and taking advantage of it is something that we also have to improve. We are continuing to work on set pieces, because that has given us a lot. We are defending them very well, and in attack we also have to try to surprise the opposition."

Almost a full squad available

"Unless there is any surprise, we have almost the entire squad available. Jasper Cillessen is still undergoing his recovery process, but I think that all the others will be available to play against CA Osasuna. Gabriel Paulista has made a huge effort to get back fit as much as necessary, and has made a very good recovery thanks to the medical team. He has been training with the squad. Soler's problem is one that has arisen in the run-up to the game, and he has trained today with some discomfort. We will not take risks with him. Kevin Gameiro has been training normally with the team all week."

Analysis of CA Osasuna

"CA Osasuna are my hometown team and this is a very special game for me. In this case they are the opposition, and a side in great need of points. They have not managed to win their most recent matches, except in the Copa del Rey, although they have achieved a lot of draws. They are a very combative and committed team. They can play with two strikers, but also with one up top and three players in the centre. Given the absences they have in defence, they will incorporate new centre backs and there could be changes there for them.  They always make it difficult for the opposition, and if you want to beat them it requires a big effort."

The fixture list

"Nobody has spoken to me about priorities, or told me to focus on one competition or another. I have to be aware of the frequency of our matches, with 4 games in 10 days, and we have to understand that we have to share the minutes around, keep the squad fresh and  be competitive in the two competitions. There is nothing more important to me than the next game, and we must choose the best eleven players for the job."

Winter transfer market

"I had a meeting with the president the day before yesterday. He informed me that the club were working to try to bring in a player to strengthen the team. I think they have an interest in strengthening the team."