AITOR Karanka says he is delighted with how is squad is shaping up after a busy transfer window that saw 12 new players arrive at the club.





The final additions came on Deadline Day, but the Head Coach says the squad building has taken weeks of planning.





"I'm very happy with the squad because we were working for a long time and we now have the squad we were aiming towards," said Aitor.





"I know the fans were a little concerned that the players weren't arriving, but at last the players we set out to get in the beginning are here and this is the most important thing.





"We worked hard with the club so we had time to speak to, and convince the players that they should come here.





"It's better to be patient with the players you set out for rather than pick the wrong player in a rush decision.





"I had chats with all of them and it is the most important thing for me that the players we bring in want to be here."





The large turnover of players this summer has left the Head Coach with a considerably smaller squad than the one he inherited on his arrival last season.





But, he says that he is pleased with the current squad size and stressed that it had been his goal from day one to reduce the amount of players at the club.





"I told the players that I wanted a smaller squad because I want all the players involved in the team - for me, all the players have the same importance" said Aitor.





"Whether it's those who start the game, those on the bench or those watching in the stands, I need to know that they could be involved straight away and that I can rely on them to come on and try to win the game for me."



