Ander Capa: “It feels like the longest final in the world”

Athletic Club right-back Ander Capa admitted the Lions cannot wait for next Saturday’s postponed Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad (April 3), especially after “waiting for so long”.

There are now less than two weeks until the all-Basque final and Athletic have been using this week’s international break to rest and recuperate ahead of the big day.

“The team is in good spirits,” Capa said at a virtual press conference in Lezama. “We’re not going to go crazy just yet.

“We’ve had a lot of midweek matches in recent months and this week is about resting and recharging the batteries. 

“We will approach the final with as much enthusiasm as possible.”

Capa reiterated that “staying humble and working hard” will be key for the Lions as they build up to the final at La Cartuja on April 3.

“It feels like the longest final in the world,” Capa joked. “We’re not going to start believing we’re favourites or we’re going to win easily. That would be a mistake.

“We’re going to carry on being a humble and hard-working team like we always have been. That is what’s going to lead us to success.

“Everyone wants to play in this match. Both teams have been waiting more than a year for this moment. We’re absolutely desperate to bring the trophy back to Bilbao.”

With only three defeats since Marcelino’s arrival, the defender agreed Athletic are in good form. But he also said there is always room for more improvement.

He added: “I think we’ve gotten much better. But we still need to perfect some details.

“We have to concede less goals and start killing off matches. We’re working on it.”