First team

ÓSCAR ARIAS: "IF THE DERBY BRINGS SOMETHING TO PLAY FOR, IT WILL HAVE SPECIAL CONNOTATIONS"

The sporting director acknowledged that although it's logical on days like today to look at the calendar, he is much more concerned about the Champions League draw

It's a special day, marking the proximity to the start of the new league campaign. One month from the first match day, this Friday saw the announcement of the season's fixtures and sporting director Óscar Arias faced the official media to assess the draw, recognising that "It's not a matter I worry about too much. It's true that sometimes certain things can be determined a little bit by the proximity of certain matches, but it isn't something I lose sleep over". On the subject of facing the same opponent as last season on the opening match day, he stated that "it's strange and we hope that we can repeat the result, but not the scoreline. Hopefully it isn't so high and we don't concede so many goals". Evidently he emphasised that it was a good thing to start and end the season at home: "It's not a matter of preference, but if you have something to play for at the end, being able to do it in your stadium is a bonus. I prefer it to be that way". On the derbies falling later in the season, he believes that everything will depend on the situation as each one is comes around: "These types of matches are always special, but if they come in the final stretch of the season and there is something to play for in the case of either side, it will have some very special connotations". "I prefer to finish the season at home in case you have something to play for at the end "

The draw has meant that, in principle, Vitolo will have to return to Nervión twice, something which the sporting director isn't wasting his time thinking about: "I understand that after what happened a certain sense of expectation has been generated, but I'm indifferent about it. I'm only worried about the teams we have to face and Vitolo already has history with Sevilla FC". What's more, he made it clear that the draw which he is most concerned about is that of the Champions League: "Clearly, because here we knew we were gong to play against everyone. With the Champions League we will know the opponent we have to face to reach the group stage and that is far more important". Lastly, Arias gave his verdict on the trip to Japan: "Pre-seasons are what they are, the periods for starting work, integrating the squad and familiarising everyone with the new idea. They are days of hard work with a lot of intensity. The team made a very good impression in the first game and tomorrow we have another opportunity to strengthen things. All this is part of what of what is expected of this type of focus. The players are pleased and the coach too".