Valverde: "These matches mean a lot"

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde reiterated how much the Basque Derby means to both teams, saying "it is a special match" which is "important for both teams".

Real Sociedad host Athletic Club at the Reale Arena on Saturday night (21:00 CET) and there will be a lot more than bragging rights at stake with three points being significant for both teams' European hopes.

"It means a lot, for them and for us," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference on Friday night. "These matches are played with the heart racing, with a lot of intensity and they're important for the fans.

"We'll do everything we can to win. It's going to be a long and intense match. Both teams are in good form at the moment."

'Txingurri' was the last Athletic boss to bring back all three points from the Reale Arena, a 0-2 win for Los Leones in 2016/17, and he is aware that his charges will have to manage their emotions well.

What's more, Los Rojiblancos have gone three matches without conceding in LaLiga, something Valverde is hopeful they can repeat in San Sebastian.

He said: "We're doing well and playing good matches. We've got players capable of giving high-level performances and I would like to see that.

"It's always difficult to win there. There's a great sense of the rivalry in these matches. There is a strong emotional aspect and you have to know how to handle that.

"It's an important match because of the opponent and because of Real Sociedad's position in the table. It won't be easy but we're determined to win."