SAMPAOLI: "WE HAVE TO PICK UP THREE POINTS AND WORK OUR WAY UP THE TABLE"

Jorge Sampaoli spoke at his press conference ahead of tomorrow's clash with Getafe CF. Samapoli first answered questions regarding his players' fitness: "The recovery times haven't been ideal but it will be clear to see the progress tomorrow. Nianzou did a light training session and Jordán is looking better. We are hoping he'll be able to play but we will wait until tomorrow". In terms of both our opponents and the players' fatigue, Samapoli said that "it's a tough place to visit where the opposition are well set up. We need to be sure we field the fittest squad possible. From a practical perspective, we were unable to prepare the way we would have liked. We first held a video analysis. Recovery is just as important as the actual training". 

The boss also touched on the upcoming international break with a special mention to Papu Gómez: "Not having the players during the international break is complicated, but this is the reality and we hope they don't come back tired. It's our responsibility, as well as theirs, to keep fit, work individually and prioritise the work in order to bring back the players that have been carrying knocks. Papu is still recovering and the medical team have made it possible so that he finishes his recovery here. We want him fully fit as quickly as possible. I still haven't had the chance to train with him". 

"We have got to put in a top performance" 

In relation to Thursday's outing in Turkey, the Argentine highlighted that "we have to try and correct things, create chances and that the team puts in a top performance from the word go. We were better organised defensively in Turkey but sometimes playing two-legged ties is a tough ask". Turning the attention back to the game and Getafe, the boss emphasised the need to take control: "We have got to put in a top performance. We have to pick up three points and work our way up the table. It will be an interesting game, but we have to win this one". 

Samapoli also discussed how both Tecatito and Rekik were getting on with their recoveries: "Tecatito is on his way back and making progress, but we think he isn't quite ready to be playing just yet. LaLiga is extremely physical and we are hoping that the international break will be a good excuse for him to get more comfortable. Rekik is still subject to the injury. I think two more weeks and from there we will see if there's progress. They're players who have been sidelined for quite some time. Firstly, they have to get themselves fit in order to compete and then see what happens". On a positive note, Sampaoli congratulated Bryan Gil for his call-up to the Spanish national team: "I am happy for Bryan. He has been having a bad time and now that he has been putting in the performances, the manager has noticed. This is motivating for a young man who is still maturing". 

In closing, Sampaoli gave his thoughts about the upcoming tie against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League: "It's a chance. Not just playing at Old Trafford, but a chance to play and look forward to the occasion. Football gives you these types of opportunities and you have to be ready to take advantage of them".