Williams: “I feel confident and ready to contribute”
Williams: “I feel confident and ready to contribute”
Three days out from LaLiga starting, Iñaki Williams believes the Athletic could have a great season
Athletic Club foward Iñaki Williams is raring to go as Los Leones add the finishing touches to their pre-season preparations ahead of Monday's LaLiga 2022/23 opener in Bilbao against RCD Mallorca (17:30 CEST).
Although Williams has played mostly as a centre-forward for the past two seasons, he was often used out on the right wing during Athletic's warm-up games. It is a position he is very familiar with, having started off his senior career there under Ernesto Valverde in 2015.
"I think Athletic looked in good form throughout the friendlies," Iñaki said at a press conference in Lezama on Friday morning.
"I've returned to a position I haven't played in for a couple of years, but I feel confident there and ready to make a big contribution. I hope to improve on my figures from last year, both in terms of goals and assists."
The Lions' no.9 underlined the importance of building up some early momentum in the league, especially as three of Athletic's first five fixtures are at San Mamés.
He said: "I think we have good opportunities to pick up points at home. We want people to get that winning feeling again and we have to take advantage of playing in front of our fans. If we get off to a good start, the rest will be easier."
Williams was also asked about his decision to declare for the Ghana national side, responding: "I believe that I'm at the peak of my career and I'm ready for it. Representing the country of my parents, where I feel very loved, is an honour. I want to repay everyone for all the love and affection they've shown me."