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대한민국 - Soon
Julen Lopetegui spoke about Celta, tomorrow's opponent in Nervión, with a lot of respect: "Tomorrow we play at home and we have a new challenge against a very good team, who play very well. We are looking forward to it and we want to play well against a team who will offer something different to what we have already faced. We are going to have to be at our best to get something out of the game tomorrow. We have to try to give all our energy in tomorrow's game". The coach played down the league table by saying: "The thing that gives us the most excitement is the game. It's the third game of a 38 game season. Every team has their ups and downs, but we are only concentrating on Celta and nothing more. No one is getting ahead of themselves, I'm only concerned about preparing for tomorrow's game and if everyone is excited; I hope that we translate that excitement on to the pitch tomorrow".
LOPETEGUI: "CELTA POSE A DIFFERENT KIND OF THREAT TO WHAT WE HAVE COME ACROSS SO FAR"
Possible changes to the squad are not causing a distraction: "Because the market is still open, every team is subject to change; but this will not change our focus on the eve of a game. Those who are with us are the ones that will help us play well tomorrow. As for the rest, Monchi and I speak daily, but there's nothing to say on the matter". In addition, he didn't doubt the fact that they needed to keep improving: "Whenever you win, you need to keep on improving; and when you lose, it's not the end of the world. There are no massive differences between the teams and each game is a battle, with every little detail making a difference. We must improve, we have a standard, just like every other team and we will continue to strive for better, especially against a rival who played well against Madrid and who were the better team against Valencia. We want to compete against them and this will require us to give a great performance, and this time in front of our home fans who will be our 12th man".
Julen didn't give any hints as to who was going to be in the squad tomorrow: "Everyone is available for selection. There is one small doubt and, for this, we will wait until tomorrow to make a decision. Reguilón has trained as normal and his injury is no longer a concern". In addition, he spoke again about Dabbur: "It's a footballing decision and nothing more. He's our player, in our squad and the league has just begun. There are a lot of games left and when he gets his chance he will have to be ready". He spoke carefully about the possible similarities with Atlético Madrid: "I would not like to compare because we aren't two teams who are similar. We try to attack well when we have the ball, and defend well without it. We have to improve in both of these aspects, but in order to compete we have to control the game, and we will try to continue to improve".
"We try to attack well when we have the ball, and defend well without it; but we have to improve in both of these aspects"
Regarding De Jong: "He contributes a lot to the side and goals can come from anyone in the team. It doesn't matter who scores and we've no doubt he will, but what matters to us is that he contributes in many important ways". He also commented on Rony Lopes: "Everything that happens in a season doesn't happen in two weeks. Everyone will have their chance and they have to prepare for it because it will be a long season with a busy fixture list. The squad has more depth and we couldn't use everyone in the first two matches".
He spoke about managing his first home match in Nervión: "It's a stadium that is different and special. I'm very happy to be able to feel that energy and that drive that the fans give you when you're in a difficult moment, and there will be some moments like this". To finish off, he spoke about Pozo's contract renewal: "The academy players always have to answer that extra question - are they good enough? Pozo has earned his right to be here and if the sporting director believes he has too, then he deserves this extension".