Garitano: “We’ll try to score first”

Athletic Club manager Gaizka Garitano highlighted the importance of scoring first in tomorrow’s LaLiga Santander match against Real Valladolid.

The lions have failed to score in their previous two away fixtures and it is a statistic the boss is keen to rectify.

“We didn’t score in our last two away games, so we have to fix that,” Garitano said at his pre-match press conference in Lezama. “It’s always important to open the scoring and even more so in these types of fixtures.

“Last season we scored first and it gave us a sense of calmness. Taking the lead always helps and it lets you play in a different way.”

Real Valladolid are currently bottom of the LaLiga Santander table, having failed to win a league match so far this season. Nonetheless, Garitano stressed that Sunday’s opponents should not be taken lightly.

“We need to be careful because this match is vital for them. They’ve got a lot to play for tomorrow, but we have to approach it that way too.” Garitano added.

Garitano also pointed out the dangerous footballers Real Valladolid possess in their squad, paying particular attention to their attacking strengths.

“They’ve got players with a lot of movement from the midfield onwards,” he said. “They rely on their wingers and those players, like Hervías and Nacho, put in good crosses.

“And they can also attack through the middle with Oscar Plano, Orellana and Tony Villa.”

Athletic’s manager insisted his side are in a good mental space heading into the fixture, adding: “We’re always confident. But logically, when you win, you feel like there’s a wind at your back.

“The team is highly motivated in every training session and they’re raring to go for tomorrow’s match.”

The match takes place at the Estadio José Zorrilla on Sunday evening, kicking off at 18:30 CET. It will be broadcast live in the UK and Ireland on LaLiga TV and in the USA it will be available via beIN Sports.