“It leaves us very cold, it is an important drop”

In Sarriena's performance, in the final for promotion to Segunda B, the Sestao River had a leading role. With the knowledge of the case of the positive for coronavirus of the girlfriend of a Portugalete player and the suspension of the match, the green-blacks have remained in the background. Misplaced. The news surprised them in a hotel where they were concentrated in Derio. Now, they stay on standby. Somewhat frustrated after tough weeks preparing for this date. Waiting for news to know when they can play this important clash.

In conversation with MD, the coach of the Sestao River, Ibon Etxebarrieta, share how they heard the news. “We were totally surprised, we had already eaten and the players were going to take a short nap at the hotel where we were concentrated. It has been when we have seen it through the networks, this is how we have found out about this suit. From there, word has spread. The Basque Federation called us and informed us that the match was suspended, because a person from the environment of a Portu player had tested positive. They have spoken with Hispaniola and the Basque Government and have made that decision. That is our news, “he said.

The green-black coach is aware of the order of priorities in this situation, although he also puts on the table the sporting disappointment that it represents for the Las Llanas squad. “Obviously, it is very clear that health prevails above all. But that four hours after the game this happens, taking into account that we have been training for six weeks and that we have already passed a tie with Vitoria … The truth is that it leaves us very cold, that this has not given a significant drop . We were already involved in the game. With everything we are seeing, it is something that was there, it could happen … We just abide by the decision and we are waiting for what can happen, “he says.

The Sestao River group has left the hotel and returned home. “Yes, we have been informed that Sarriena was sealed, that they were not even going to the collegiate, that we did not go because it was postponed. We are waiting for the protocol that they follow ”, he indicates Etxebarrieta, who remembers that “before starting training, which was on a Saturday, we passed the tests that Friday. And then another on Monday of last week before playing with Vitoria. ”

The technician is now surrounded by uncertainty. “We don't know very well what decision they will make. All we know is that a person from a player's environment has tested positive and that the trackers have called him saying that he had to do the PCR, “he says.

Etxebarrieta He insists that “what is clear to us is that we have trained six weeks, that we have prepared the second phase and that we have already passed a tie. We are waiting and a little worried, because it has been a lot of effort in these weeks ”. And he adds that “we had very good feelings and we felt prepared”.

He understands that “the Federation will have to set some guidelines for the procedure to be followed. I do not know what the deadlines will be, it will depend on what happens in the Portu squad. We were ready to play, this has caught us very surprise, it is not up to us … “.