SAMPAOLI: "WE HAVE TO CATCH OSASUNA OFF GUARD"

Jorge Sampaoli spoke to the media ahead of tomorrow's clash against Osasuna. The Argentine kicked off the press conference by highlighting the need to bring back key players: "The idea is for us to see which players are physically prepared for the game; a complicated game that we need to win. We will evaluate things due to the fact that the travelling and the game on Thursday were quite draining. Perhaps that's more important than the game plan itself. All those (the players) feeling 100% are going to be very important in competing against a team who are much fresher than we are".

Concerning his own squad, Samapoli discussed some last-minute complications for two of his players: "Ocampos had a fever yesterday and today. We are going to see how he gets on. I don't know the ins and outs but he's got a fever and couldn't take part (in training). There were plans drawn up for Tecatito to join in with training but he was feeling some pain and so we prefer that he rests. I have to speak with the doctor about that". In relation to the absentees, Sampaoli said that "we are trying to resolve the problems that we have had to deal with, which have been many, in order to make the best decision. For now, the squad doesn't feature all personnel and we are going to have to find a balance for the upcoming games. There are some important games ahead and there are many players missing. We have to make do with what we have and start those in the best condition".

"The squad, for now, doesn't feature all personnel and we are going to have ration things out"

In regards to Osasuna once again, the boss acknowledged that "we are hoping to control the game throughout, repeat what we did in Eindhoven in those first 75 minutes where the team stood tall and played, try to create more chances and, overall, try to win a very difficult match against an opponent that is very good collectively, determined, strong and is well organized with their set-pieces. There are many factors that have gotten them to where they are today, a very worthy position in LaLiga and in the semifinals for the Copa del Rey. We have to perform at our best, allowing us to control the game and, from there, create chances. Osasuna are stern when it comes to man-to-man marking and we are going to have to look at how we can catch them off guard". When asked about Rafa Mir, the boss commented that "En-Nesyri is on a good run that has helped the team get out from the sticky situation it was in and Rafa has to wait. This downtime has set him back a bit, with and without the ball. The players also show us what state of mind they're in when they're not involved but we need everyone and he is going to have to be ready for when the time comes". 

"We have to perform at our best, allowing us to control the game and, from there, create chances"

Away from tomorrow's game, the boss found himself facing questions surrounding the 'Negreira scandal': "I don't know too much about the case, but if the evidence that is coming to the fore now is true, to tarnish football in this way and this league is very crass. The law is the law. To downplay this game, if what is being said proves to be true, is a very bad thing for the league. I'm not focused on the full depth of the case, but it does make me sad for football because there are a lot of people who save up all week to buy a ticket and if these things happen they get cheated and the game gets tainted".

Lastly, Sampaoli made it clear that he is more concerned with his own team rather than Osasuna: "In reality, it's down to us. No matter how they come at us, we have to look at how we can get past these problems. Making sure we have a fresh and capable set of players ready to attack with variation in order to win, no matter who the opposition is or how they set up. You just have to look at the progress this team has made whilst not even being at full fitness. We are going to have to manage those situations by dominating and attacking".