Lekue: “We can’t wait to see a full San Mamés”
Lekue: “We can’t wait to see a full San Mamés”
The Athletic full-back, who is in great form at the moment, hopes the Lions can mark the return of a sold-out Cathedral with three points for the fans
Athletic Club full-back Iñigo Lekue said the Lions “can’t wait” see San Mamés filled to the brim when they take on Villarreal CF in Bilbao on Saturday (kick-off, 21:00 CEST).
It will be a special moment for the Club. Due to the pandemic, The Cathedral has not been allowed maximum attendance since March 1, 2020, when Athletic played none other than the Yellows in a LaLiga Santander fixture.
“It’s something we’re incredibly excited about,” Lekue said at a pre-match press conference in Lezama. “When we started the season with fans in the stadium, it made a difference. We can’t wait for this moment and hopefully we can mark the occasion by getting our first victory together with the fans.”
After three weeks without playing, Los Rojiblancos will host Villarreal CF, last season’s UEFA Europa League winners and a team currently competing in the UEFA Champions League. Lekue stressed Athletic will need to be at their best to get something from the game.
He said: “They are a top-level team, very strong in attack. We have to do exactly what we’ve been doing so far: be solid in defence and don’t let them in goal. If we convert the chances we get, we’ll have a chance to win the three points.”
The full-back is in good form right now, having started in all of Athletic’s matches so far this season. Lekue admitted he is experiencing “one of the best periods of his career”.
“There are times when you don’t have good moments, but you have to be prepared and keep working,” he added. “I’m enjoying myself, I feel good both on the pitch and in training. In defence I feel stronger and better, and I try to do what the coach asks of me.”