Ruiz de Galarreta: "We're approaching this match as if it were a final"
Ruiz de Galarreta: "We're approaching this match as if it were a final"
The midfielder believes the side are in the right mindset to win on Saturday despite the "tough" news about Iker Muniain leaving the club
Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta said Athletic Club are preparing for Saturday's showdown with Atletico Madrid "as if it were a final".
With Los Colchoneros in fourth place on 61 points, just three points ahead of Los Rojiblancos, the clash at Metropolitano (21:00 CEST) will have a major say in which team qualifies for the Champions League.
It will be a tough task for Ernesto Valverde's Lions. Atletico Madrid have suffered just one home defeat so far in LaLiga 2023/24, but Athletic did defeat Los Colchoneros at the Metropolitano in the first leg of the Copa semi-finals.
"We're approaching Saturday's match against Atletico Madrid as if it were a final," the midfielder said in a midweek press conference at Lezama.
"The team is desperate to finish the season well and we have an exciting challenge to get that fourth place. It will be difficult, but we're very motivated.
“It's very important and it will impact our five remaining fixtures. We want to put them under pressure and we'll keep fighting as long as we have a chance.
"The stadium will be packed and we'll have to play very well. But we're coming into this final stretch fresh and we're going to give it our all."
Ruiz de Galarreta spoke about Iker Muniain's departure at the end of the season, praising "a top captain" who personifies Athletic Club's values.
According to the central midfielder, Muniain leaving has made the squad even more determined to finish this historic campaign on a high.
He added: "We knew that Iker's situation was a bit up in the air and you prepare yourself in case that moment arrives.
"It's hard to imagine that such an important player and role model for everyone is not going to be here, but we'll remember all the good things he has given to the club over these last 15 years with the first team.
"It's an honour to have a player like Iker representing the values of this club. He's a legend, the player with second most appearances in Athletic history.
"Being able to lift the Copa is a moment that both he and [Oscar] de Marcos deserved after such a long time. It's a happy ending.
"We're all very grateful in the dressing room. Iker is a top captain. He guides us and is always looking out for everyone. We want to enjoy these last few weeks together and finish in a Champions League place."