Javier Aguirre was on pre-match media duties ahead of our trip to Atletico Madrid this weekend. Find out what the boss had to say below:
On the gap without playing: "There were 21 days with a bit of everything because we recovered Antonio Sánchez, Antonio Raíllo – although he is in cotton wool – and Martin Valjent, but we cannot count on Muriqi yet. In terms of travel, Pablo Maffeo and Cyle Larin are a setback. They are fatigued and I have doubts about them. I don't know if it's a good idea for them to start. We'll decide tomorrow.”
On Vedat Muriqi's injury: "Muriqi asked to stay in Switzerland and the doctor considered that he was getting a good treatment there. The first 48 and 72 hours are very important and making him travel was almost worse than leaving him there. We were in constant contact. Everything we would have done here was done there.”
On postponement of the match against Cádiz: "It was agreed with Vedat himself and with the coach of Kosovo. FIFA considered it fair that we were able to postpone the match due to an extra sporting issue that altered the competition.”
On Muriqi's absence: "I'm fortunate that we signed a player [Cyle Larin] who is coming in to contribute. I am fortunate that I have the best Abdon I have ever seen. If I had nothing, I would have a problem. I have Larin and Abdon and I'm calm.”
On injuries: "It seems to be difficult to have everyone healthy. A lot of times muscle injuries are a product of stress. Muriqi was under a lot of stress and the same thing happened to Maffeo. Stress is fundamental. The guys are subject to extra pressure with social networks and that affects them."
On Atlético Madrid: "You have to play a very serious game. You can't relax. They have many records, many players and we have to play a perfect game and try to catch them in their vulnerable points. I think we have played good games against them and hopefully we will continue in that line. It's not going to be easy. I haven't prepared for the match with an eye on Cádiz and Alavés. It is true that I have two suspended players, Dani Rodríguez and Gio González It's true that Raíllo is wrapped in cotton wool. It's true that Valjent and Antonio Sánchez were injured; Larin and Maffeo are on the road...and there we have to play a little bit and be alert, but the three points against Atlético are as important as the three points against Cádiz. We are not in a position to give anything away. The best will play.”
On a busy calendar: "The main disadvantage is the player. It would be good to hear them.”
On Maffeo and social media: "LaLiga and the club sat down with him, the protocols that must be followed were followed and the player made his decision. I have spoken with him and given him recommendations."
On communication with directors: "I always talk to the directors, but we have not put scenarios of possible changes in any part of the team. There is good communication.”