Valverde: “We want to be in control of the games”

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde spoke ahead of his third spell on the red-and-white bench, which starts with Monday's in the league opener against RCD Mallorca at San Mamés.

"You always feel a bit nervous as the moment approaches because up until now it's been pre-season friendlies, but tomorrow the real season starts and you're playing for points," the coach said at a press conference on Sunday.

"Returning to San Mamés and coaching Athletic at home again is a special feeling."

For the Zurigorri coach, there is no doubt about what his team needs to do to have a successful season.

He said: "We have to be in control of the games. That's what we want both when we have the ball and when we don't have it.

"We have a great asset, especially when we play at home, because our fans will be there to help us. We know the opposition know that too and we have to take advantage of that.

"We have to get the crowd on our side and win them over with our play. We know what they like and we have to show it on the pitch."

Finally, Valverde analysed RCD Mallorca. The Balearic Islanders had a strong pre-season, going completely unbeaten and conceding just one goal, which came against Napoli from the penalty spot.

"It's clear to see that they've found a structure and way of playing that they're very comfortable with," the boss added.

"They concede almost nothing and on the counter and in strategic situations they're very dangerous and they're going to try to exploit that.

"They survived relegation in the last game and they have the confidence that comes from maintaining their status when there was a moment where it looked like they had lost it. I think that has strengthened them.

"It's true that they're still waiting to bring in a few more players. Javier Aguirre is a coach I know well because we've played against each other many times. I know his teams can score goals and he is great a motivating his group. It will be a tough game."