Toni Martínez says his first goal will come

Toni Martínez says his goal « will come » and that not having scored this season is not keeping him awake at night. The Deportivo Alavés forward said he is not concerned about his lack of goals as long as his fellow attackers do their jobs and the team continues as it has been.

He said his soleus had bothered him during the opening phase of the league season. The break helped him recover and be at 100% for the game against Atlético de Madrid. He added that the three weeks had helped after a spell in which he had not been feeling well, and said he was ready.

Ahead of the match, Martínez believes the circumstances are favourable, although facing a team near the top of the table is never appealing. He called Mendizorroza a difficult ground and said his side would try to make the game as uncomfortable as possible for its opponent. He considers Atlético, coached by Diego Simeone for 10 or 12 years, to have a recognisable playing identity. He also noted that the team had worked extensively on fitness during the break.

Asked about Spain, he said it had been a privilege to be included in the country’s preliminary World Cup list. He acknowledged the strong competition and said the only option was to keep working.