LOPETEGUI: "WE HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO COMPETE AS IS NECESSARY IN THIS COMPETITION"

17/12/2019

"We will play a recognisable side and approach the match with all assurances"

Julen Lopetegui has given his press conference ahead of tomorrow's Copa del Rey match against Bergantiños, at 18:00 at the Riazor: "It's a new format and we want to feature, and bring home the cup. We have to win every match. This format means even the smallest error can knock you out, so we approach the match with all assurances and we will play with a strong eleven based on the management of the squad".

"This is the match of their lives and they will approach it like that. We have to be prepared to give a suitable response and also be mentally up for the match. It's a very beautiful competition and I have no doubt that there will be surprises. We have to know how to compete as is necessary in this competition", he added

"With this format, the cup will get back some of its character"

Lopetegui says Sunday's result has already been forgotten, and they're only thinking about the cup: "We never want defeats. Like the wins, they are in the past. We're already focused on tomorrow, in a competition in which we want to go as far as possible, no one can take the excitement away from us. Every match is a final so there's more emotion. The format hinders bigger sides but it's attractive for everyone. The cup will get back some of its character.

He also spoke about the venue: "They will have more fans than normal by playing at the Riazor. We have to be prepared to compete wherever it is. Tomorrow it will rain a lot and we have to be ready".

"The format of the cup does not determine the starting XI"

Regarding a possible line up: "The format of the cup does not determine the starting XI. It will be a recognisable side and we will try to win, logically. We played 48 hours ago so we will try to play the best team possible. Jesús Navas is finishing a lot of games with a knock and we're trying to stop that".

To finish, he spoke about the strikeforce: "We're not keeping an eye on external debates, moreso their daily work. They can all play as a sole striker or even alongside another. The most important thing is the team's performance, the goals will keep coming and their statistics will keep improving.