SAMPAOLI: "EACH GAME IS A CHANCE TO GAIN SOME CONFIDENCE"

Jorge Sampaoli spoke to the press before Saturday's training session, from where the team will later travel to Santander to take on Velarde CF in the cup tomorrow: "It's dangerous playing against amateur teams that are dreaming of a cup upset. It's what being a footballer is all about, playing on the biggest stage. We will need to be prepared because last year we were in similar circumstances and we have to be aware that the World Cup is just around the corner. We have only had eight days of regular training and limited preparation since I've been here. They must see it as a significant match for the club".

The game is the last of a series of demanding matches: "It has been physically draining, and not just the last game. There also is some mental exhaustion because they (the players) are desperate to try and change this season's narrative. Each game is a chance to gain some confidence. We think the last match's performance thrilled the fans until the end, despite playing with nine men. We have to use that to kick on from here". The boss also ruled out the addition of more youth team players in the match day squad: "We haven't had time to evaluate the youth team lads. We saw some of the Sevilla Atlético games; they're going through a rough patch. We will have to analyse the situation because tiredness is playing its part and we don't know if we will be able to include some players. I can't see myself calling up a player I am not all too familiar with. The ones who I train with regularly will be the players who play".  

Concerning the opposition, the boss acknowledged that any type of complacency could be costly: "It has happened plenty of times in this competition where players haven't prepared well and been given a shock. Players with less technical ability come up against the highest-earning players and end up beating them. If we aren't up for it tomorrow...it wouldn't be the first time something like this has happened. Every day is a new challenge and it brings about hope, so we have to be prepared". Sampaoli was also questioned about the Argentine players' absence last Wednesday: "I can't speak on the behalf of other people. The players and the doctor told me that they couldn't play against Real Sociedad. As manager, I focus on the team and I can't lose concentration on that". 

The right way of coming out of this tough period is being united: "We always have the mindset that we are going to win the next game. Then, there are elements that either allow it to happen or not. The other day we were two men down and despite the circumstances, we fought until the end. I haven't seen this type of thing happen too often. Unity is the only thing that will help us come out of this tricky situation. We have to start taking some responsibility... We have to take charge, win and get through this tough time, preparing ourselves for what's to come." To finish, the boss spoke about how things will proceed during the international break: "My duty is to have a clear analysis of the situation and to get together with the people at the club to see where we are heading. We have to break down the current situation in order to plan for the future".