Jagoba Arrasate spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference ahead of our game against RC Celta on Saturday afternoon. Find out what the boss had to say below
On the week: There's probably more noise than we'd like from the outside, but I think we've trained well and we're clear that tomorrow is a very important game. We're coming off a somewhat strange match, although there were also positives; let's see if we can continue. It's a bit like what I said before the start of the League: that the fans identify with the team. I think in the last game, beyond the result, that was achieved, and I hope that tomorrow will also happen, so we can achieve a good result. The team is ready for tomorrow.
On Celta: I think they were one of the best teams that's ever been here. Since Claudio Giráldez has been here, the team is very recognizable: they're a very brave team that goes for things and doesn't wait for things to happen. They're also very dynamic, and now, I think, they've made some very good signings. I wish them the best in Europe, but in the League, if we can beat them tomorrow, even better.
On Celta's system: You're always mulling over what's best, and then you have to make decisions. Of course, I watched the game: I think Getafe did a great job defensively and were effective in the chances they had. Celta is also a very dynamic team; the other day they played with three center backs, but they can also do it with a 4-3-3. They even modified their system two or three times during the game, and Getafe still played well. I think it's going to be a different game. Away from home, they find space more easily, and Getafe is a very dynamic team up front, especially with good runs. I hope the result is similar to Getafe's but in our favor, although I think it will be a different game.
On the bond with fans: I think the fans identified with the team, a little with the effort and with that sense of injustice they also felt. They supported the team in that difficult second half with nine players, and after the game, I think there was an ovation. The players also showed great gratitude toward the fans. Hopefully, we can continue that, but not with another defeat, but rather by playing a good game and getting a good result. Hopefully, at 7:00 PM, that unity will be back and we'll all go home happy.
On Marash Kumbulla: In the end, when he becomes available and you talk to him, the first thing is to make him see that you know him well, which is the case, and then explain what we see in him and what he can bring to the table. All of that came together, and he was actually clear that he wanted to come here, despite having many offers. We're very happy. It's true that he had a good preseason, but he didn't have many games to showcase himself. In this first week, I've seen him doing very well, and I think he's raising the level of the center-backs, increasing the competition, which is positive for the team. Then we'll see. How many players do we play with? With four or three center-backs? We'll see, but I think he's a great addition for us.
On Samu Costa: Samu has made a huge effort to want to be here today; he even tested himself this morning. I spoke to him five minutes ago, which is why I was late to the press conference, and he's not feeling well. He doesn't think he can help us tomorrow, but he's done everything possible to be there, and I'm very grateful for his involvement. If he can't help us, it's because he wasn't feeling well today. I hope he can be here next week.
On the first five matches: I understand what you're saying, but for us, every game is an opportunity. Those three matches you mentioned against the big teams aren't impossible, just as Celta and Espanyol aren't going to be easy either. Every match is an opportunity, and we have to try to play a good game tomorrow and win, regardless of whether the start is difficult or not.
On the heat: The club has done everything possible. They've tried to modify the schedule, and they're sticking to the temperature, a record temperature, and since they see it's going to be 29°C, they understand it can be played. I don't know if they take into account the wind chill or the humidity. I don't think it's the best schedule, but it is what it is. The club has moved, and we can't do more. If they don't want to change it, that's their problem.
On Mateo Joseph's debut: Yes, he played 45 minutes the other day, and I think he was good in the context of that match. He's trained all week, and yes, he's an option to play up front. The truth is that I trust him as much as I do Abdón, and also some position of Taku or Marc, who can play up front equally.
