This morning in Abegondo’s press room, Carles Gil stated that after having to postpone last week’s game against Betis, the team are really looking forward to Saturday’s clash against Athletic Club in San Mamés (6:30pm, Bein Sports). “We train to compete at the weekend. By what we train and what really motivates us, is to play at the weekend. Unfortunately, what happened last week, happened. It’s allowed us to increase the workload in trainings, to arrive in very good conditions on Saturday.

The Deportivista forward acknowledged that, “winning our first away match is something we have pending this season. We came really close in many games but in the end, we were unable to achieve it. What better stage than a ground like San Mamés?”.

Speaking about Athletic Club, Carles Gil highlighted that “at home they have an extra motivation, because of the supporters. It’s a very fit and attacking team. They like to go up, with a high defensive line. It’s a complicated match, but I’m sure we’re going to have our chances”.

He demands to run onto the field in San Mamés with “intensity from the first minute, because we’ve realised that if in other grounds it kills us, in San Mamés even more”.

In his opinion, Deportivo with the ball have had “some games, I’d say months, with a different image. Since the Málaga match, the team has displayed another picture. We must carry on doing those things with the ball. We have to improve defensively. Perhaps be more intense. Those small duels may seem like nonsense, but they are what determine matches. There, we must realise that we have to win our particular battles”.

Now that the winter transfer window is closed, Carles Gil believes that there is “more competition” in the squad: “It’s a very positive thing. The players that tend to play, have to perform well, otherwise others will play. It’s something positive for the team and for oneself”.

Despite not winning for several weeks, the blue-and-white midfielder is calm: “I go with my gut, which contrasts the results. There have been some matches that with a spot of luck, we would have brought three points home. We haven’t won for a while now. Rather than being negative and nervous, it makes us look forward to match day and more eager to achieve a victory, which is the most wonderful thing there is”.