Alessio Lisci: “It’s a monumental match”

Alessio Lisci spoke to the media ahead of CA Osasuna’s home match against RCD Mallorca on Saturday, stressing the significance of the fixture in the fight to stay clear of the relegation zone.

The Italian coach opened his press conference by underlining how important a victory could be for the team at this stage of the season.

“We are ready. It is an important match, a very important one — I would even say monumental,” Lisci said. “If we win, we would almost be safe from the relegation zone. It wouldn’t be mathematical, but we would be 12 points clear and have the head-to-head advantage. Being in that position in early March — something we sometimes take for granted, and we shouldn’t — is crucial.”

The Osasuna head coach also called on supporters to recreate the atmosphere that has helped the team perform strongly at home.

“This match can be the turning point of the season and we need to recognize its importance,” he said. “I call on the fans to create the same atmosphere we had against Real Madrid. I know it will be difficult, but at the very least it has to be like when we faced Levante UD, Real Oviedo or Deportivo Alavés. It has to be the same mentality — get the win however necessary, support the team and stay connected.”

Lisci added that while the match is not technically decisive, its importance is comparable to a final.

“It’s not a final, because in a final you either win or lose and tomorrow it could also end in a draw,” he said. “But it’s as close to a final as it gets. Everyone must keep that in mind, because when you lose a match there is a lot to make up for in the following games. Winning keeps you steady and gives you the confidence to do great things in the matches ahead. That’s the difference, and that’s why tomorrow’s game is so important.”

With Martín Demichelis set to make his debut as RCD Mallorca head coach, Lisci said preparing for the match has been more complex than usual due to the uncertainty surrounding the opponent’s tactical approach.

“It can be challenging to prepare for the game because we don’t yet know exactly how the team will play,” Lisci said. “We know Mallorca well and we have watched many matches from Monterrey and River Plate, teams their new coach previously managed, but that can still be misleading because all three teams are different.”

“We have prepared by looking at some of the patterns that worked for them — the things that make them recognizable — because those are aspects that are likely to remain. From there, we will adapt during the match.”

Lisci also warned against underestimating Mallorca despite their position in the standings.

“If we are at our best, we will have a chance to win, but we are facing a good opponent,” he said. “Without looking at the standings, they have five to seven very important players at this level — and that’s without counting Vedat Muriqi, who is not only important for them but a real difference-maker. So we must remember we are facing a strong team regardless of what the table says.”