First Team
14 May - 12:20
Vicente Moreno: "These will be my last two matches as Osasuna's coach at El Sadar, and I would love to leave the club in a European competition"
During the Osasuna v Atleti pre-match press conference, the gaffer announced he will step down at the end of the season
Osasuna head coach Vicente Moreno announced Wednesday that he will not continue in his role beyond the current season.
Moreno spoke to the media ahead of Osasuna's La Liga fixture against Atlético de Madrid, confirming his departure at the end of the campaign.
"We have a golden opportunity," Moreno said. "We've completed the job that was asked of us without any real trouble. Now, with three matches left, we have the chance to qualify for Europe. And we're going to give everything we've got. Will we make it? I wish I could see the future and guarantee it, but what I can say is that we will fight for it. I insist—it will be very difficult, but we're going for it."
"On a personal note, I want to share that these will be my last two matches as Osasuna's coach at El Sadar," he added. "I would love to leave this club in a European competition, and I will give everything I have to help make that happen. It would be a perfect ending, and we have that possibility. You have to understand—we're going to give it our all."
Reflecting on the significance of tomorrow's match, Moreno said: "After the match against Betis, I mentioned that it's now El Sadar's turn—and El Sadar means a lot. We approach this game with a great deal of excitement. We've already reached the objectives we set at the start of the season in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, where we made it to the quarterfinals. Now we have the chance to add the finishing touch."
"We have to hold on to the possibility of ending the season in Europe. Will it be difficult? It will. The next match is a very tough one. But when we go as one, we're capable of beating anyone. That's what we must rely on—taking every chance we have and giving everything we can."
When asked whether he sees a special spark in his players, Moreno responded: "I see that they want it. They truly believe it's possible. I see it in every training session and conversation with them. I don't know how far we'll go, but I assure you, the players are committed."
"It's a very tough match, but I believe in the team—and in El Sadar"
Moreno also spoke about the challenge of facing Atlético de Madrid.
"It's a goal. Finishing second is not the same as finishing third, and third is not the same as fourth," he said. "We're talking about a very competitive team, and they've shown that. They have a coach—what can I say about [Diego] Simeone? Just look at how long he's been there. There's no doubt about their ambition or competitiveness. I have no doubt they will want to finish the season in the best way possible."
"They're coming here with a full squad and a strong lineup. It's a very, very tough match. But I have a lot of confidence in the team and El Sadar, so we're going for it."