Muniain: “We’re capable of turning this situation around”

Athletic Club captain Iker Muniain said the first-team squad is working hard to improve and he is fully confident the lions will achieve more consistent results.

This Saturday, the lions travel down to Mestalla to face Valencia CF (kick-off 14:00 CET). Javi Gracia’s squad are 13th, one place above Athletic in the LaLiga Santander table.

“We believe in what we’re doing, we know there are aspects that need to improve and we’re working on it together,” Iker Muniain said at a press conference in Lezama. “We’re capable of turning this situation around and we trust in each other.”

“The team is switched on and keen to find that consistency every Athletic fan is looking for. We want to be as high up as possible. We’re trying to put the pieces in place so we can climb up the table.”

Muniain admitted putting together a string of positive results is proving to be complicated, but said this is a common theme throughout the LaLiga Santander table this season.

“It’s very close, from European spots down to the relegation zone,” Muniain added. “LaLiga is tight at the moment and every fixture is a battle.”

Saturday’s opponents Valencia have not won a LaLiga match in over a month. And despite the quality amongst their ranks, Muniain has faith Athletic will win.

“They’re going through a rough patch, but take a look at their squad and you can see the potential they have,” he said.

“Nevertheless, we’re convinced that if we perform well, we’ll win the three points. Last year, we achieved a resounding victory at Mestalla.”