First Team 18 Oct 2026

Jagoba Arrasate: "We achieved a very deserved victory"

Osasuna head coach Jagoba Arrasate addressed the media after his team’s 2-0 win over Racing, marking his first match back on the club’s bench. “It was close to being a dream return, but that wasn’t the most important thing. The important thing was the match, and we achieved a very deserved victory. So I’m happy for the players and the fans,” Arrasate said.

Arrasate, who hails from Berriatua, said, “When you have an idea and start by winning, it reinforces that idea. I saw the team with clear ideas, a lot of energy, pressing well, and being vertical with the ball and threatening behind, because they usually play with a high defensive line. Overall, I think we played a good match, and it’s very important to start like this because it reinforces everything we’re working on,” he added.

Speaking about the match, Arrasate said, “The start, that first 15 minutes, was what I believe Osasuna should be. We scored a goal, had another disallowed, and Julen (Agirrezabala) was active. That’s what we want—to press high and make the opponent uncomfortable. Overall, I think the first half was good. In the second half, we lacked some energy and a bit more patience. They have a lot of talent, packed players inside, and it’s hard to win the ball from them. Still, I think in a medium or low block we defended well at times, and Aitor (goalkeeper) hardly had to intervene, which makes me very happy.” He emphasized, “A clean sheet is fundamental, and solidity must be a hallmark of Osasuna. That does not mean defending higher or deeper. Today the opponent had almost no chances, and that’s because the whole team was active, starting with Budi and Moi, who led the press very well, then Dubasin and Rubén. Inside, I think we did a good job, which means the defenders are not under so much pressure and Aitor doesn’t have as much work. So for me, a clean sheet is very important, and for the team as well because it gives them confidence,” Arrasate said.

Finally, Arrasate thanked the fans at El Sadar stadium. “From the start, the stadium was booming, and at the end, too, with the players spending a long time on the field. That connection with the stands is vital. That’s Osasuna. We had it today, and I hope we keep giving reasons for this to be a constant, not a one-off,” he said.

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