Jesús Areso calls being left without two matches « very uncomfortable »

“It’s a very uncomfortable situation”: Jesús Areso used those words to describe being left without playing for two matches. The Athletic player was speaking after the game at Vallecas was halted by the referee after 13 minutes, following paper objects and small plastic balls being thrown onto the pitch. It was already the second match suspended in eight rounds.

The previous suspension involved Levante, after heavy rain in Valencia and the condition of the pitch. The team therefore has two matches in hand, although the fixture against Levante is due to take place next Wednesday.

Areso spoke in the morning at the press room in Lezama. On the effect on the standings, he said: “Those are points left there; the table and the matches keep moving, teams keep playing, and we stay in that position with 8 points.” He added that the focus now had to be on Valencia and preparing for the match at Mestalla, following the coaching change and the arrival of Javier Aguirre.

The lack of competition is also taking its toll, he said. “This is not good for any team, or for the player. However much you train, the intensity and demands of a full match can only be experienced in a competitive game. We are all looking forward to the Liga returning,” he said.

Areso also described the uncertainty at Vallecas: “We really didn’t know what was happening or what the solution would be, whether we would play the next day or at nine at night. It felt unreal; we hope it does not happen again.”