Fabio: "We need to regain our defensive solidity"

Fabio González spoke ahead of the match at El Sadar, describing the stadium as "the perfect place to make a statement. We need to win no matter what and turn the situation around." On a personal level, the midfielder said he is "feeling great and enjoying these early minutes. There's competition in every position, and that improves the team and brings out the best in each player."

Some of his key statements were:

"The defensive side is something we've been struggling with. Last year, we didn’t create as many chances but conceded fewer goals. I think we need to get back to that defensive solidity. We've created a lot in attack, but that sense of defensive weakness is what's hurting us."

"In the end, the fans want to see the team win. We're just at the start of the season, and I know they'll keep supporting us as they always have."

"We don't lack energy. Athletic is one of the most intense teams in the league, and we felt that lack of fluidity. Their goal came very early, and it's only natural that we dropped our heads a bit. The halftime break helped us regroup and look each other in the eye."

"We had a meeting with the ultras more than a month and a half ago. They wanted to meet with us and proposed that the ritual be done spontaneously. When it's done every time, it loses its special effect, and we accepted that naturally. There will be moments to celebrate."

"We're a much more direct team now, and what the coach asks of me are those defensive checks. We all know how tough El Sadar is, and Osasuna will push hard. We're fully aware of how important this match is for us."