Dani García: "Beating Barcelona would be a huge morale boost"

Athletic Club central midfielder Dani García said Los Leones will need to make the most of their chances if they are to defeat FC Barcelona in Bilbao on Sunday night.

One of the first fixtures fans look for when the schedule is announced, García admitted a victory over the Catalans could help raise confidence levels around the club.

"We know the fans like this type of match. I think beating Barça would give us a boost we all need," Dani said at a press conference on Thursday morning. "If we play at our level, with the support of the fans, we have a shot at defeating them.

"We have to go with a lot of intensity, take the initiative away from them and try to hurt them when we get close to their box. They also have some important absentees and we should take advantage."

The no.14 stressed the importance of stringing together positive results to make sure Athletic don't "end up in no man's land" and start moving up table.

He added: "The dressing room is desperate to win because we've been on a bad run of form. We're in a situation where if you go on a good run, you can climb into those top positions.

"If you don't, you end up in no man's land, as has happened to us on other occasions. I think we have a team capable of fighting for Europe."

Dani also mentioned how much he loves playing at The Cathedral, especially in big matches like this.

"Playing at San Mamés is special and even more so for a passionate player like me," he said. "In this type of match, people are more excited and it's incredible. If I play on Sunday I'll enjoy it to the full and the truth is I'm looking forward to it."