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Martínez: "Facing Athletic Club is one of the toughest ties in the Copa del Rey"

The coach speaks ahead of Wednesday's visit to the Basque Country

Progress into the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey is at stake for RCD Espanyol this Wednesday, as they take on Athletic Club in the Round of 16. Ahead of the away trip to San Mamés, coach Diego Martínez spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference.

“It is a challenge for the team. It's one of the most difficult ties in the Copa del Rey, and that makes it exciting and a challenge for everyone. As team that are growing, facing the best makes you better," he told journalists.

The coach assessed that "Athletic Club press a lot and play with a high pace, but we have to face the game with our strengths and our state of confidence. We need to be closest thing possible to ourselves, regardless of the atmosphere that is generated at San Mamés."

The two sides met in LaLiga competition a fortnight ago, but Martínez emphasised that “they are different competitions, but it will still be a highly demanding match. We have to have a very good level of efficiency in attack and defensively we have to be strong, but also have a cool head and not rush things. We have to show personality and enjoy the moment, because the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey is stimulating for everyone."

"The schedule is something really difficult for us, but we have to adapt and make up for the disadvantages with our commitment. We aren't thinking about Real Betis, our next opponent in the league, every time this team pull on their shirts, they want to win. The starting XI that I choose will have to compete at the best level and give their all."