Alessio Lisci: 'We Have to Shake It Off, Stay Positive and Take the Field Looking to Connect with Supporters'

Osasuna head coach Alessio Lisci spoke to reporters Monday ahead of Tuesday's match against Atlético de Madrid at El Sadar. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. local time (8:30 p.m. BST, 3:30 p.m. ET). Lisci addressed Friday's loss to Levante, emphasizing the need to move on and focus on the upcoming match.

“Having both games so close together worked out well, even though we couldn't prepare as usual. It has been tough. There was negativity in the locker room because, with those three points, we would be safe and could focus on Europe. To be honest, we would be in the European spots right now. It really hurt. Now, we have to shake it off. We can't face Atlético de Madrid feeling groggy or weighed down by those emotions.

“We have to lift our heads, stay positive and be the ones to connect with our supporters. I know our fans will give their all from the warm-ups—I am certain of it. We have to make them proud of what they see on the field; that is crucial.”

Lisci said both players and coaching staff were hurt after Friday's match, but emphasized the importance of moving on to perform well against Atlético, calling it a chance to redeem themselves. He said it was understandable for supporters to be upset and thanked them for their unconditional support.

“The players were down after Friday's match. When results like this happen, the coaching staff and players feel it most, even if it doesn't show. I'm sure our fans felt just as disappointed. Still, that mood won't help as we prepare for tomorrow. It's normal to feel low after a loss, but now we have to focus on Atlético de Madrid. We can't dwell on Levante because it will hurt us, and what everyone wants is to win tomorrow. We have to play to win and see this match as a great opportunity to prove ourselves against a top team.

“Tomorrow, it's up to us to take the first step and make the fans proud. There's nothing I can say that our fans don't already know. I'm thrilled with our fan base. I understand some might be upset or frustrated after what happened the other day—that's completely normal, and we accept it. As I always say, our fans are a bonus. At El Ciutat, I could hear them from the other side of the field, and their support meant a lot. I'm always thankful for our supporters.

“Facing Atlético de Madrid is always a tough challange”

Lisci discussed the challenge of facing Atlético, especially under “one of Europe’s best coaches,” Diego Simeone.

“Atlético de Madrid has one of Europe’s best coaches, that's a fact. I like him a lot—some might like him more or less—but it's easy to see he’s among the best, and the results speak for themselves. The work he's done at Atlético is incredible. He has a clear style of play. At Mestalla, they won 2-0 with academy players, and their playing style didn't change. He's a coach with clear ideas, and it shows, whether he fields homegrown players or regular starters. Tomorrow’s match will be tough. Last year, Osasuna won, which was great, but it was a hard-fought battle. Facing Atlético de Madrid is always a tough challenge.”