Igor Zubeldia He returned to the team after serving a suspension and was grateful for two weeks of rest, during which he fully recovered from the ankle injury: “When I was injured I had no time to rest, in fact I was playing half injured because there was no one in my place and I felt that the team needed me, so I didn’t rest”.
He is 100% ready for a derby that he considers “both Athletic and we have arrived well” and he classifies as a “special match for everything it generates for the fans and for us as well. It has something special”. And more, if possible, after the 4-0 defeat last season: “It always hurts when you lose a game 4-0 and you remember it, but this year is different, another dynamic, another time, and we will win.” .
As for the favorite for this clash, Igor not too wet. He maintains that “in a derby I will not put anyone as a favorite, in any case they are playing at home and it is always a plus to have your fans. But a derby is a derby, no matter how every team comes and I don’t think we’ll be favorites.”
He doesn’t believe they lack purpose
Zubeldia suspected a “very disputed” match, where the key will remain “in concentration and in hitting in two areas.” And Azkoitiarra did not share that Athletic did not have goals: “This is a very well worked team and very strong in defense. They have a lot of speed in front and to score a goal you have to work hard and well. I Don’t think that they don’t have goal, I know it will be a very difficult game”.
Azkoitiarra does not rule out Athletic in the fight for the Champions League, although he is 11 points away: “You don’t have to rule anything out, there are still many points at stake and anything can happen.”
When asked by MD which rojiblanco footballer he would sign for Real, his answer was blunt: “I think we have a very complete team, so at the moment I would tell you that no one is needed.”
The central defender also showed his support for Nico Williams: “Nobody likes to hear those things, but I think that in elite sport, when you are a public figure, the most important thing is to be mentally very strong. Nico is young, nobody likes to hear those things, but with him time knows how to better manage this situation and I think it will come back.”
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
