After fighting relegation for the full campaign, the Asian duo are full of optimism.
"Even in the last season, we were a good team. A team able to defeat Barcelona at New Camp or Real Madrid in Pamplona, cannot be considered a weak team,” Nekounam told Iran Students News Agency.
Nekounam is starting his fourth season for the club and is happy at the addition in firepower and the fact that compatriot Shojaei is looking good.
"Last year, we lacked definition upfront, but now the club has signed few good strikers. Besides, Masoud has also shown to find the target well in pre-season matches. Based on these facts, I believe that Osasuna will be better team in this season", Nekounam said.
"This season, the competition will be quite tough in La Liga, but I'm hoping that we will at least reach a UEFA cup spot", he added.
Shojaei agrees.
"We've done really well in pre-season preparation stage. We defeated Parma and tied Lazio. Camacho has a better knowledge of the team compared to last season,” he said.
“Putting all these together, makes me become more hopeful about Osasuna in this season.
