Osasuna vs Granada CF preview - Arribas aiming for fast start

Posted Saturday, August 17, 2013 by PA

Defender Alejandro Arribas hopes Osasuna will make a much better start to this season's Primera Division campaign than they did last time out with the visit of Granada first up for the Pamplona-based side.

Osasuna only collected five points from their first 11 league games last season and finished in 16th place, three points above the relegation zone.

Granada were in a similar position on the final day last term, finishing one place higher than Osasuna on 42 points.

Arribas, who joined Osasuna in June last year as a free agent, is in a confident frame of mind following pre-season.

"Everybody is eager to start the league, beginning with the players. I think the team has had a good preparation over the summer," Arribas told the club's official website.

"On the first day of the league there are always surprises. I think if you have prepared well, like us, you will want to get started.

"Everyone is starting from scratch. There has been little change in our squad and everyone knows how the coach plays. The new people are adapting very well and the team's idea is the same. The goal of Sunday is to win. You have to do that as quickly as possible."

Granada manager Lucas Alcaraz is also focused on gaining the perfect start.

"Right now we are excited about competing in the best way possible to get a good result. The best way to start is to start winning in the league," Alcaraz told the club's official website.

Alcaraz also confirmed Diego Mainz and Roberto are doubts for the match.