First team

BERIZZO: "WE WON'T REST BUT WE WANT TO LOOK AFTER FATIGUED PLAYERS"

17/11/2017

The coach said "this Celta takes more care of the ball where mine was more end to end"

Eduardo Berizzo spoke to the media ahead of tomorrow's return to league competition. A very special game for the Argentine: "I'm up against my ex-companions, my ex-club, my ex-players and it will be an emotional match. I have had great moments and I appreciate the people I've been able to work with. It will be a pleasure to be a part of the game and exciting to see everyone again".

With Simon Kjaer exhausted following his World Cup Playoff with Denmark, the coach recognised Geis could be the solution in the centre of defense: "The internationals could play, but they deserve attention and care. More Kjaer than Banega but they trained well today and we will evaluate them tomorrow. In Kjaer's case he deserves more attention to see if we start him or not. Geis has been training for this situation, he's a trustworthy player and in his last team he's already played in a back-three, both as a defensive player and as a libero. In the Nou Camp he had to play that role and he could be the right centre-back tomorrow. He's a more defensive player than Pizarro and he could be an option."

"Geis is a trustworthy player and could be an option at centre-back tomorrow"

Berizzo didn't hide the fact that the team will be especially aware of Iago Aspas: "Between Escudero and Lenglet, we should be careful with Aspas and be looking out for that switch he makes so quickly from the wing to attacking midfield": Asked about rotations, he explained he needs to consider his starting eleven very carefully: "Not exactly rest but take care of ourselves because we come in fatigued, from travelling and stress. The least exhausted is N'Zonzi and the most is probably Kjaer but tomorrow's is the most important game. We will evaluate those who are in the best position so as not to run any risks".

There was a lot of talk on the arrival of the transfer market in January, but the coach didn't want to enter into the topic: "Talking about possible transfers or about the future market could serve as a distraction and an underestimation of the current players. There are people responsible for that at the club, but as the coach, I respect and take care of my footballers. We will look at those who have to come to the club if necessary, although there has been scouting of players in different positions".

"Talking about possible transfers or the future market could serve as a distraction and an underestimation of the current players"

What's more, outside of tomorrow's games, he was asked about the use of video refereeing: "I was lucky enough to be part of the UEFA meeting where Collina explained the situation to us clearly. I can only appeal to the referee if and when there isn't a decision and the ball is out of live-play. I'm in favour if it helps the referee do their job. Certainty lies in simplicity".

As always in a Champions League week, the subject of the fixture schedule came up: "There isn't a rest game or one easier than the other. All moments in football are important when you have the chance to take advantage. We always have our guard up and tomorrow we have an opponent that plays really well and has very well drilled qualities. We have to continue on the lines we did against Leganés, Spartak and in the second half in the Camp Nou. We still need to incorporate things we saw in those matches while the opponent doesn't".

Finally, he was asked to compare his Celta Vigo with the team of Unzué: "This Celta takes more care with the ball and develops from further back, starting the game with more attention to detail. My team was perhaps more dynamic, quicker, more back and forth. The players are almost identical, and at times the talent takes precedence over the idea of the game, but in both cases they know the task at hand and we have to dominate in what we do best, which is use the ball with judgement".