Ernesto Valverde: "I predict a tough match"

Ernesto Valverde said he expects a challenging match when Los Leones take on local rivals CA Osasuna at San Mames on Monday night (21:00 CET).

The gaffer is weary of the difficulties Jagoba Arrasate's side can cause, warning that Athletic "can't let up for a single minute".

He continued: "I predict a tough and uncomfortable game for us, but hopefully for them as well. They're a strong and competitive team who try to make life impossible for you from the start of the game, but so do we. They are having a great season, but we will try to make our strengths work for us."

🎙️ Ernesto Valverde on #AthleticOsasuna tomorrow:

⚔️ "We're playing against a director competitor. We want to put some distance between us and them."

👊 "It's going to be a difficult match for both teams."#AthleticClub 🦁

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) January 8, 2023

It is a crucial tie for both teams' European ambitions. Athletic are in the main pack with 25 points from 15 matches, while Osasuna are in the chasing group with 23 points from the same number of fixtures.

"It's a derby against a direct rival and we want the three points to put some distance between them ourselves," Valverde said.

"Our goal is to stay in the top positions so we're in a situation where we can achieve our goals once we're in the home stretch. Victory would put us in with a group of teams that we want to be with. However, we know nothing is decisive yet because there are still a lot of games left to be played."

On the Copa front, Los Rojiblancos were drawn against RCD Espanyol in the last 16 and will play Los Pericos in Bilbao on Wednesday January 18 at 20:00 CET.

Valverde said: "Espanyol beat us at San Mames in LaLiga. It's a game of heads or tails, but we're lucky to be playing at home and we'll try to make that luck count.

"We're a strong team here, but anything can happen. We're really motivated to do well in the Copa."