Osasuna vs Getafe Preview - We are most in need - Mendilibar

Posted Saturday, May 11, 2013 by PA

Osasuna coach Jose Luis Mendilibar reckons his side's need to beat the drop is more pressing than opponents Getafe's desire to qualify for Europe.

The hosts go into the weekend just one point above the Primera Division's bottom three with four games to go, while their opponents are six off the top six.

Osasuna have not won in their last five league games, taking just two points from them, to leave themselves under pressure in the final month of the campaign.

Mendilibar told the club website: "We are the most in need - playing in the top flight exceeds the need to play in Europe and that must prevail in the game.

"The match is 90 minutes so we must not try to win in 15.

"I think we can win and we have to believe that. We have to have that feeling of power, of passion, of knowing that in this game we are better than the opponents.

"We have to be able to do things well and feel superior to our rival."

Getafe do not go into the game in the best of form either, with Monday's 2-1 home win over Real Sociedad ending a run of three straight defeats.

Winger Angel Lafita has experienced a relegation battle before with Real Zaragoza and he knows Osasuna will be fighting for their lives.

"I've experienced both situations. With Zaragoza, battling the drop to the last game, and with Deportivo La Coruna and Getafe, playing for Europe," he said.

"The situations are different. When you fight against relegation you are afraid and you give it your all.

"Playing for Europe, you enjoy it more, gamble and try different things."