Alessio Lisci: "With the way the supporters have responded, what we have to do is give absolutely everything"

Osasuna head coach Alessio Lisci said his team must “give absolutely everything” when they face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Tuesday night at Anoeta, highlighting the strong response from the club’s supporters despite the team’s current league situation.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Lisci acknowledged Osasuna’s difficult position in LaLiga but stressed the importance of the cup tie.

“It’s obvious that in the league we’re in a situation we don’t want to be in, and a very, very important match is coming up,” Lisci said. “We have to be careful at the weekend, but the Copa matters. We are all Primera División players, good players. Whoever steps onto the pitch will perform, will fight and will want to honor the badge for the 600 fans who are coming and for those who couldn’t get tickets.”

The Rojillo gaffer emphasized that fan demand had been high and said the squad has a responsibility to respond.

“With the way the supporters have responded, what we have to do is give absolutely everything, as we always do on the pitch,” he said. “There’s no story beyond who plays and who doesn’t. No bad players will take the field. Those who do have all the quality needed to get through the round.”

Looking ahead, Lisci said the Copa del Rey can quickly shift from distant to tangible.

“You see the Copa as something far away, but if we get through tomorrow, then we’re right there,” he said. “We’d love to play a knockout tie at home. Every match helps build momentum and confidence, and tomorrow we want to show a good version of ourselves, regardless of who plays.”

The Rome native also reflected on Osasuna’s recent cup history.

“I remember watching Osasuna play Real Madrid in the final years ago and loving it,” he said. “Just thinking about being able to live something like that from the inside gives me goosebumps. Sometimes my comments about the Copa have been misunderstood. You have to manage it, know when to push in one competition and when in the other, but for me and for the club, the Copa is beautiful. Hopefully we can make something special of it.”

He added that league priorities remain clear but do not diminish Osasuna’s ambition in the cup.

“We have a very important league match this weekend and we can’t neglect that, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to compete, advance and feel good about our performance.”

“Real Sociedad Have a Squad of the Highest Level”

The Italian coach also analyzed Real Sociedad’s current form following their recent coaching change, praising the depth and quality of their squad.

“They have a squad of the highest level — the entire squad, not just the regular starters,” Lisci said. “Their bench is incredible, with a very, very high standard. Given their roster, they should be fighting for European places.”

The 40-year-old noted that while changes have been made under the new coach, the team was already performing well.

“At key moments earlier in the season, matches sometimes turned against them, but the other day they were able to react after conceding an equalizer and go on to win,” he said. “That changes the dynamic. They’re in a good moment now.”

Despite the challenge, Lisci said Osasuna travel to San Sebastián confident.

“We’re also doing well, regardless of the result the other day, which I think was unfair,” he said. “The team is in a good run, with positive feelings. We’ll compete there with maximum respect for a great team — but without fear of anyone.”