Osasuna Coach Lisci: “We’ve studied Mbappe and designed specific defensive plans”

Osasuna coach Alessio Lisci has spoken about his group’s preparations for his or her opening-day journey to the Santiago Bernabéu, acknowledging each the issue of the match and the motivation his facet takes from dealing with elite opponents.

Talking with Erem Information, the Italian coach described Tuesday’s assembly with Actual Madrid as one of many hardest fixtures in LaLiga.

“The sport in opposition to Actual Madrid… it’s undoubtedly one of many hardest matches in LaLiga, maybe the hardest, as a result of Actual Madrid was probably the greatest groups final season,” Lisci stated. “We wish to play in opposition to the massive groups; we even want we might face them each week. So we’re glad to face them and are working onerous to be prepared for that individual match.”

Lisci rejected the concept Madrid’s current Membership World Cup participation would depart them at an obstacle. As an alternative, he argued it helped put together them even additional. “A match just like the Membership World Cup or huge friendlies have been crucial for them; they helped them adapt to the brand new coach and play high-level matches. I believe they’re in a greater place than us now, as a result of they performed demanding matches. They’re a really full group and can arrive on the opening match properly ready.”

The coach additionally mirrored on previous experiences on the Bernabéu, together with a 6-0 defeat with Leganés when he was teaching them, and final season’s 4-0 loss with Osasuna. “It’s very troublesome for any group to win on the Santiago Bernabéu… However we all know that with onerous work and a great efficiency, we will obtain one thing. The gamers are working onerous, and I believe we will placed on a great efficiency there, though it’s one of many hardest stadiums on the planet.”

On Actual Madrid’s managerial change, Lisci famous that whereas Xabi Alonso could convey recent concepts, the core problem stays the identical. “Taking part in in opposition to Actual Madrid is at all times troublesome, whatever the coach. Concepts can fluctuate, however a very powerful factor is the person skills of the gamers, who’re among the many greatest on the planet. Ancelotti did a wonderful job… The identical goes for Alonso.”

He additionally singled out Kylian Mbappé as a serious risk. “We all know Mbappé is a special participant and now we have to be very cautious with him. We’ve studied him quite a bit and designed particular defensive plans in opposition to him. Sure, will probably be troublesome, however we’ll attempt to cease him.”

Lastly, Lisci dismissed discussions about refereeing controversies, saying his focus is strictly on his group. “Actual Madrid TV criticizing referees? That’s a matter for Actual Madrid, not me. For me, the vital factor is to discover a option to beat Actual Madrid, not to consider the referees.”