Luis Miguel Ramis: 'We are excited to take on Metropolitano'

Osasuna head coach Luis Miguel Ramis spoke at a press conference to preview Wednesday’s match against Atlético de Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CET (6 p.m. BST, 1 p.m. ET). During his appearance, Ramis discussed the team’s game plan and highlighted the opposition’s strengths. The Rojillos boss also praised former sporting director Braulio Vázquez, who announced his departure from Osasuna last Sunday.

"We are excited to take on Metropolitano. We were prepared to respond after conceding five goals and were ready for Espanyol, but things did not go our way. We will keep pushing to get it right because the team fights and pursues results; we have to correct a few mistakes, which we have addressed. We are self-critical, and I am the first to admit it. Still, we are eager because the team deserves to reap the rewards of its work. I see the players hungry, ready to perform well, be ourselves and have the drive that comes with this shirt to defend it. That’s going to be our mindset tomorrow," Ramis said.

Ramis discussed the keys to the game, which he said are maintaining intensity and staying balanced on the field.

"Individually, Atleti’s players can get results on their own. As a collective, they can press you. But I will say again: We are capable of competing; that’s how I see it, and that’s what I have told the players. We have a game plan, and we are going to build from there. If we execute it and everything comes together while keeping the necessary intensity and balance, we will put them in danger," Ramis said.

When asked about Atlético de Madrid, Ramis praised the team’s style of play and highlighted how its players can resolve tough situations quickly.

"Atleti likes to control the game, especially at home. Add their precision, talent and rhythm, and it will surely force us to defend for long stretches. But when we have the ball, we will look to exploit their weak spots.

"They have no issue defending deep, staying compact and waiting for the moment to break forward—they are strong in transitions—so we have to make choices, stop their threats and go from there. We must be mindful that the game will require us to be focused defensively, aggressive and balanced," Ramis said.

Ramis was asked about the recent departure of former sporting director Braulio Vázquez, whom he spoke highly of and thanked for bringing him to the club.

"I can only thank him. His record speaks for itself; I can't add anything new. The emotions yesterday between him and the club were clear. Having been around a locker room, I know how hard it is to say goodbye to players; in the end, you become family and create great memories together. The emotion during yesterday’s news conference reflects Braulio's work. I want to thank him and José Antonio Prieto 'Cata' for the opportunity to coach in La Liga, and I wish him the best of luck. Taking his place is someone who has worked alongside Braulio during his time at the club, and I am sure the success will continue. Communication is very good, and it shouldn’t disrupt us at all. We will continue our journey and move past these two sad weeks," Ramis said.