GARCÍA PIMIENTA: "WITH ATLÉTICO IN SUCH GOOD FORM, WE'LL BE BRINGING OUR A-GAME"

Xavi García Pimienta faced the media ahead of Sunday's visit to the capital to face Atlético de Madrid. The first-team head coach first spoke about how this week has been a busy one, and how it is taking its toll on the squad: "The week has flown by. On Monday, we played Osasuna, on Thursday we went to Olot and we only arrived back on Friday afternoon to the news that Pedroda. Some of the players managed to play 90 minutes in the cup match, while others were rested in order to be in the best shape possible ahead of facing an Atlético side at its very best. They have top players who are working under the greatest manager in the club's history. We will have to be at our very best to match their intensity, as well as show some flair and be aggressive with the ball. Let's see if we're capable of playing a game like we did against Osasuna and tight at the back, but I'm sure it will be an entertaining affair."

He was also questioned about Atlético's home record, which puts us at a disadvantage upon our visit: "I always say that records are there to be broken. Let's hope that's the case tomorrow. We're going to have to play a practically perfect game and everything depends on believing in ourselves, acknowledging the difficulty of the task and trusting our players". Atlético are having a sensational season, without doubt. They're managing to keep their defensive solidity while not shying away from the ball. They have the ability to come out from the back and play on the counter. We're going to have to give 100%, but this is football and we have to believe in ourselves."

On Saúl: "His leadership is really imporant. He helps his teammates play better."

When discussing individual players' progress, he began with the goalkeepers: "I'm very happy because [Ørjan] Nyland was able to travel to Olot and is now fully available. We also have Álvaro [Fernández] as well as back-up from Alberto {Flores], who will play tonight for Sevilla Atlético the  travel with us tomorrow."

Another big name that was mentioned was Chidi Ejuke, who did individual work on the grass today in training: ‘Ejuke is taking small steps as per our normal recovery schedule. The difference between having surgery and not having surgery does not change the duration of the injury and it is expected that by mid-January he will be able to join the group and by the end of January or early February he should be ready to compete again for a place in the team. He is feeling good, and he has a smile on his face and that is what's important."

He also praised the work of Saúl Ñíguez in the run-up to what will be his return to his former home, the Metropolitano: "Unfortunately, the long injury he had... we had a little game plan, he was called up on the day of Rayo, we were clear that he could be available in Osasuna for a while and he contributed a lot. We also agreed that he would play 45 minutes in the cup. He has trained well so tomorrow he will be available, although we will see about how many minutes he plays. I'm sure he wants to do well but also his leadership is very important and with every effort he makes, he encourages all his teammates to be better. His help in the dressing room is important and even more so on the pitch, even if he can't always show it due to injury, but he looks very motivated and eager. He has experience, the team needs him and hopefully he can give his best in every game."

The head coach went on to analyse the condition of players such as Sambi Lokonga, who will miss Sunday's game: "It's a big loss because of the profile of the player he is. He gives us breathing space during the game, and he always wants the ball in any area. Now we have Saúl, who is more similar, but a bit more forward-thinking. Sambi has been pushing to be fit, but unfortunately he couldn't make it. However, I'm convinced that whoever comes on in his place will do well." He also praised the work of Kelechi Iheanacho and Valentín Barco: I'm very happy with Kelechi. He's not getting the minutes that even I would say he deserves, but as a striker to play minutes and do well would have given him confidence. He is available and I hope that if he plays tomorrow, he can be lucky in front of goal. Barco has always been important for the group and the coaching staff. I thought he was great against Olot, so we're taking that into account and we'll evaluate who will be the best option for tomorrow."