First Team 28 Oct 2026

Osasuna head coach Jagoba Arrasate previews Copa del Rey match against Atlético Calatayud

Osasuna head coach Jagoba Arrasate addressed the media ahead of his team’s Copa del Rey debut against Atlético Calatayud on Thursday at San Íñigo. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CET (6 p.m. GMT, 2 p.m. ET).

Before discussing the match, Arrasate offered his condolences to the victims of Wednesday morning’s train crash in Toledo.

“All of a sudden, you are analyzing the match against Sevilla, thinking about Atlético Calatayud, and then you learn about this and realize that what you are doing is not as important,” Arrasate said after expressing his support for the victims.

Asked about Monday’s loss to Sevilla, Arrasate emphasized the team’s need to improve. He also described the Copa del Rey match as a chance for players to showcase their abilities and help the team keep developing.

“It is obvious we have to improve and continue to grow,” Arrasate said. “Having a match three days after a loss allows us to pause and make sure some players can see tomorrow as an opportunity to showcase themselves and get good sensations. I think it is important. Playing a good game tomorrow is the best way to prepare for Monday.”

The Berriatua native was also asked how the team prepares for a match against a lower-division opponent. He said studying video and analyzing previous matches are important parts of the process.

“The first step is to know the opponent. We watched their match against Baztán, did our homework, and I think we have a clear report on the opponent, who, by the way, I think is above their league,” Arrasate said. “Their players, especially in midfield and attack, play at a higher level, and I even think they will be promoted next year.”d.

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