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Javier Aguirre: "At home we can play against anyone"

The boss looked ahead to our hosting of Atletico Madrid

Javier Aguirre was on pre-match media duties ahead of our hosting of Atletico Madrid this weekend. Find out what the boss had to say below:

On the team: I'm in very good spirits. I firmly believe that the team is going to stay in LaLiga. The squad is in tune with that thought. There are no injuries or suspensions. It's a blessed problem to choose the best XI we think we have to start the match. The point in Cádiz, after all, keeps us six points clear for another week and we will try to secure the permanence in the three remaining home matches.

On Pablo Maffeo: He can play at left back. It is a real possibility.

On Atlético de Madrid: They played a good game at home against Athletic Club. Against Alavés they were very evenly matched. It can be said that they are not so good away from home, but Cholo's teams have always been very competitive. They are a Champions League team, among the best eight in Europe this year, playing in the Champions League for 10 years in a row. It is true that we are at home, with the support of our people and that gives me a plus of confidence to face the match. We played a good match there and they beat us with a great goal by Griezmann. They were on a tremendous streak of not losing there. It wasn't easy and tomorrow I hope that with the support and the need to get points we will be up to the task.

On what to expect: I think it will be a match similar to the last ones played here. We know each other very well. They have a lot of individual quality and an important collective work. They play different patterns in attack. On the fly they change, they have a very complete bench and I hope to be very alert with that.

On Atletico's results away: We would have to analyse match by match. If you only look at the results, away they have lost more than in other years, but those of us who dedicate ourselves to this do not base ourselves only on the result. We look at performance. We haven't had great numbers away from home either, but being at home and them with that circumstance, let's see if we are able to take advantage of it.

On a contract renewal: They have not spoken to me nor do they have to because the objective has not yet been achieved. I insist that I am happy here. It is a club that called me at a complicated time and I am happy. I have an exquisite relationship with the board, with the owner, with the players but with the journalists? I think I'm in the ideal place, but the most sensible thing to do is to focus on LaLiga, to get the necessary points for salvation and once that happens, the most sensible thing will be to sit down and talk. The first thing is the team, which is what we all owe to.

On its influence the dressing room: Personally, zero influence. Not a single issue has come up in the dressing room. No one has asked me if I am going to continue, if someone is going to leave if I stay? I don't feel that the team is affected by rumours of new players and departures. I think we are all a bit used to it.

On points to stay up: I don't know. I knew that 42 points was the magic number. It's difficult to get them, but we'll try, no doubt and with 42 points we will suffer.

On remaining home games: The three home games are fundamental. Beyond the rivals. The public has not abandoned us all year long and it is praiseworthy and thankful. And we have to show it on the pitch.

On playing against the big teams: At home changes everything because the 12th player does weigh and influences our mood. At home we can play against anyone. Away too, but it's the other way around. We have a great fan base that has helped us and has been there for us at home and away.

On Griezmann and Depay absentees: It's a shame not to see them because they are extraordinary, but Correa or Morata will play. One has 14 goals and the other has nine or 10? It's not just anything.

On Cádiz’s result before the match against Atlético: If I don't do my job, what do I care what my rival does? I don't pay attention to what my opponents do. I don't expect anything from anyone.