Alessio Lisci: "We Are Very Hurt and Will Go Through Some Very Difficult Hours, But Starting Tomorrow We Have to be Focused on the Espanyol Match"

Osasuna head coach Alessio Lisci spoke to the media in a press conference after the team's 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid at El Sadar. "No matter how many chances we created or how much more we deserved, we are deeply hurt," he said. "What we need to do is shake off this pain and look forward as quickly as possible, because we don't have time to dwell on our wounds."

 He added, "We had a lot of chances. You know that when we play badly, like last week, I'm the first to take the blame. But today it was a matter of efficiency and finishing. I'm not blaming the team because they gave everything and wanted to score—the problem was the ball just didn't go in."

Regarding the match, Lisci said, "On their first attack, they won a penalty and took control of the game, but even so, I think we had many clear chances to equalize." He continued, "We have to accept it, and now the most important thing is to make sure today's result doesn't affect us heading into the Espanyol match. We need to clear our minds—it's tough, and we'll have some difficult hours, but tomorrow, when we wake up, we have to be 100 percent focused on Espanyol."

Asked about the mood in the locker room, the Italian coach said the team was "affected because it is difficult to accept the situation we're in, considering the season we've had since December and how the last few games have gone." However, he wanted to send a message of unity: "Looking back does no good—it only hurts us. Right now, we need to be together. I know it's difficult, and I know some fans might be upset with me, the team, or whoever, but at this moment, I think we all need to contribute wherever we can. It's hard for us to stop feeling this pain, but we have to take a step forward, lift our heads, and I hope all the fans can let go of their anger starting tomorrow. I completely understand their frustration and respect it 100 percent, but now everyone needs to do their part and try to help."

Lisci was also asked about the referee's performance, specifically the decision not to show defender Marc Pubill a second yellow card when Atletico led by just one goal with 30 minutes left. "In the second half, there was a very serious mistake that affected us—the second yellow for Marc Pubill, which was obvious. We were down 1-0, and Pubill played a major role in their second goal. I know there's no malice involved, and the referee is probably the most upset because he was called to the VAR twice, but at this stage, we can't accept these kinds of errors. And as for stoppage time, it's unacceptable that only three minutes were added," Lisci said.