Javier Aguirre has challenged his side to head into the upcoming international break with a good feeling within the camp ahead of our clash with Athletic Bilbao.
We are still searching for our first win of the season having registered a point in our opening three games, although the boss believes there is plenty to build on.
“At the moment we are trying to find the point where we can get the best performance out of the players,” Aguirre told journalists in his pre-match press conference. “We have played three games and up to eight players did not do the pre-season with us. At least three of them were not training with a regular team.
“Darder, Nastasić and Larin - we have to get them into the rhythm of our football and that is achieved by playing. We are looking for the positions in which we can get the best performance out of them and also the system of play.
"It would be important to have a good feeling before the break. If you play good football, and the rival beats you or we miss a penalty, you resign yourself to defeat, but you're on the right track. If you also win by one, good; and if it's by three, even better.”
Having seen a number of new faces join the club over the transfer window, Nastasić’s return on a free transfer was our final piece of business as we head into this weekend’s match with an injury update.
"Yes, I'm happy with Nastasić and with the people who came in general,” he continued. “I think a nice team was put together. We have two players per position. A good job was done. Now we have to reflect it on the pitch.
"Mascarell has a discomfort. Plantar fasciitis that drags in recent matches. He is in doubt to start or to go to the bench.”
You can watch the press conference here on our YouTube.
