Valverde: "It's an important match for our objectives and morale”

Valverde: "It's an important match for our objectives and morale”

Ernesto Valverde, aware that Athletic Club face a pivotal week ahead, emphasised the value of a LaLiga win ahead of the upcoming challenges

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde reiterated that Los Leones "know this is an important week" as they get ready to face two crucial matches in Bilbao.

On Saturday at 16:15 CEST, San Mames hosts Getafe CF in LaLiga Santander before staging the return leg of Los Rojiblancos' Copa del Rey semi-final against CA Osasuna.

"We have to start at the beginning and focus on Getafe," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning.

"It's an important match both in terms of the league table and in terms of morale. If we want to keep our finger on the pulse regarding our objectives, tomorrow's game is very important."

Even though the Osasuna match is on the horizion, the boss is refusing to overlook Los Azulones, who have only lost once in their last seven fixtures, saying Quique Sánchez Flores's side will force the Lions to be at their best.

He said: "The best way to prepare for Tuesday's clash is to win tomorrow, which will be very difficult. The opposition is dangerous, tough, uncomfortable and in their best form of the season. We have to appreciate that and be attentive because they are an opponent who always keep you on your toes."

The Athletic fans will have a big say in the next two matches, and Valverde insisted the players will neeed to get the crowd going early on.

"We're focused on tomorrow. People come to the ground to watch the match before us and we have to engage them," Valverde said. "That's our job. It will be a complicated, long and dangerous match."