Xabi Prieto: “The match against Lazio is a big challenge”

The former Real player and current representative of the institution of the txuri urdin club, Xabi Prietoattended the media in Anoeta before leaving for Iruña and flying to Rome. “In Europe, Real won the last two games with solvency and hopefully we can win the third game in a row. Knowing that this is a very complicated match against an opponent who is leading and has not lost a match. “This is a big and exciting challenge for the team,” he said. The native of San Sebastian added that “seeing how the classification is, tomorrow’s game is very important. The team will consider it how important it is to win tomorrow and advance to the second round. In the cup we also want to win in two weeks,” he explained. He also indicated that “it would be nice to avoid a round to see how the calendar is and the possibility of going to the semifinals of the Cup, which will be another two games. I hope it happens. Of course tomorrow’s match is important to beat PAOK and get to the top eight,” he exclaimed.

The native of San Sebastian expects a very competitive opponent: “I expect a difficult game, we know what Italian teams are like. Two years ago we played in Rome. We saw that the atmosphere was created at the Olympic. The team has experience and I see it well,” he indicated. He assured that he did not study the rival well, but he had already seen some of the Romans’ matches: “A few weeks ago I saw a few minutes of the Lazio match against Roma that they lost 2- 0, but I saw the players they have and the result What he is doing… They are also fourth in the league.” For Prieto, this is a historic team: “Mendieta, Piojo López,,, In our time it was a great team, now a little less but it is leading the classification in the Europa League, then in the Liga it is in Champions League and therefore doing “Things are good again,” he highlighted.

Regarding the demanding schedule that awaits the team, he indicated that “Just looking at the schedule makes me take care of myself. I think the players who play the most minutes are tired and trying to recover every game. But that’s what it means to play in Europe and advance the rounds in the Cup. If you win, that fatigue will be reduced and it will be less noticeable,” he explained.

The native of San Sebastian gave great importance to everything the team has achieved in recent times: “He speaks a lot about what the team and the group are doing. When I arrived in Anoeta with the children they no longer saw me asking what Real will do but how much Real will win. That’s a great sign because they’re used to not always winning but getting results and that’s a joy,” he noted a footballer he wants to play more games like this: “I would have liked to play more games with Real in Europe. Definitely. Furthermore, I was there in Rome a few years ago and I thought the possibility of playing and the atmosphere there was amazing. We played against Lazio in a friendly 12 or 13 years ago. But in these games you are in the stands and you see it in a special way and you want to be on the green,” he elaborated.

Regarding the possible rivals that Real could have in the next round of the Europa League, he highlighted some names: “There are very good teams if we continue. I hope we have seen enough of Manchester United but I don’t know that a Tottenham or an Olympiacos would also be good. The fundamental thing is through us and surely no one likes facing Real”, he indicated.

When asked about the current moment of the team, he replied that “the peak of this season has been blessed. We have experienced deeper peaks and the team is having a good season again. Eighth in the League, in the quarterfinals of Cup, with the possibility of being in the top eight… Amazing.” And he believes in the current squad: “Despite the youth of the group, trying to compete from day one. Playing against more mature rivals and with more experienced squads but doing things very well, that combination that Real is preparing is paying off,” he stressed. .

Finally, he was asked both Robert Olabelike his successor Erik Bretos: “Of Robert little can be said. Thanks for all the work you’ve done over the years. Be thankful until this day is gone. And I knew him as I knew him. I wish Erik Bretos who have been working with him for years can do the same; Eric He is a football nut, and I am sure he has seen Lazio more than me, Olimpyacos, PSV and any team you ask him, always ready to attack the market, whenever there is an opportunity. A guy very loved by the players and I wish him the best of luck,” he said.