Julen Lopetegui
First team

LOPETEGUI: "THERE ARE NO FAVOURITES"

16/02/2022
"Our opponents are used to this type of cup tie"

Julen Lopetegui has given his pre-match press conference on the eve of the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Off First Leg against GNK Dinamo Zagreb. The manager began by stating "when we talk about the Europa League, we use the word excitement. We are up for it and ambitious, but we're aware of how difficult it is. Our opponents are used to this type of cup tie. This year they won away at West Ham, so we'll have to be at our best". 

"They are a technically gifted team, and they're very strong. If we play at their pace, they will pose a lot of danger, so we will have to take control of that. They're very experienced and we have to respond to that. They're a compact block, with many internationals and they truly dominate in their league, which means they can prepare for this tournament in a different way. They have very interesting players such as Orsic and Petrovic, but what we do is more important", he continued.

"The team is excited about competing in a tournament which is directly related to the club's history"

Lopetegui then highlighted that "I have always argued that systems are not so important, it's the style. We've played in different ways in many matches, but with a similar idea and style. We'll see tomorrow what we can do. We've still got players out injured, we'd rather have more players available, but it is what it is. Youssef was out for nearly three months and he won't feel how he used to straight away, we all have to help him out with that". 

The manager did not want to name a favourite for the tie: "The team is excited about competing in a tournament which is directly related to the club's history. They're excited, ambitious and keen to play well and overcome an opponent who will want to get a good result tomorrow night. There are no favourites, there's only reality, and Dinamo are an experienced side in Europe". 

"I always think that we have to improve regarding many things, win or lose, and that's the idea I want to convey to my squad. Criticism is part of the job and that's what helps us to grow and keep our ears to the ground", he concluded.