The Real Sociedad reserve goalkeeper revealed that he is ready to step up as first choice Bravo is on the sidelines for two months.
Chilean goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo, has been sidelined with injury for two months, with understudy, Enaut Zubikarai looking to make most of the opportunity that has fallen in his path.
Since joining in 2008, Zubikarai has made 28 La Liga appearances for the San Sebastian based entity. The 28-year-old revealed that he is ready for the challenge at his hands and has confidence in his abilities to stand true to the test.
“I have always wanted to play and I am ready to do so. I know and believe in myself,” Zubikarai expressed while talking to reporters.
Reflecting on his standing at the Basque club, the Ondarroa born footballer claimed that he is supported by the club’s sporting staff, whilst admitting that he does not have a greater number of games under his belt than he would like to.
Enaut revealed that it is unfortunate that Bravo suffered the ignominy of such an injury, before going on to comment that it will not stop him for staking his claim for a first team berth.
“I have always felt supported even if I have not played a lot of games. This is an opportunity, unfortunately coming for the injury of Bravo.”
Continuing on the topic, Enaut stated that even though he is content with his current squad role, staying put on the bench is a hard act to fulfil.
Moreover, the assured goalkeeper commented that he has a lot on his hands as he moves up to a first team role, pointing towards the hundreds of minutes that need to be devoted for analyzing opponents on the television.
He admitted that the dynamics are different and he will understandably have a difficult time, but it should be understood that the first game is the hardest.
“Being a substitute is hard and these opportunities do not come every day. I have to analyse the opponent, watch the videos… The dynamic is different. It is important to now get things right in this first game.”
Real Sociedad take on the challenge of Athletic Bilbao in their next fixture. Enaut was ecstatic for the fixture, revealing that the dressing room is full of optimism before the crunch derby meeting.
“There is much euphoria and excitement surrounding this game, but for us is it is just one more game. We cannot get carried away by what happens off the field.”
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