Valverde: "We have to go until the end in LaLiga"
Valverde: "We have to go until the end in LaLiga"
The boss spoke about using Saturday's match as an opportunity for the Lions to get back on their feet after Tuesday's Copa elimination
Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde said Los Leones now have to throw everything at LaLiga and achieving European qualification.
The Zurigorri travel to RCD Espanyol on Saturday (16:15 CEST) looking to put Tuesday's Copa setback behind them and also put pressure on Villarreal CF in sixth place.
"We've been knocked out and nobody likes to be out of a competition like the Copa when we were that close to the final," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference. "We have a game tomorrow and we can't be feeling sorry for ourselves every day.
"That's all behind us and now we have to go until the end in LaLiga. Tomorrow is the first step. What people want is a reaction because once a game is over the next one always comes and you have to perform at your best."
The coach reiterated that Saturday's match is "important when it comes to putting points on the board" and "getting back on our feet" in terms of morale.
He added: "We know we're facing an opponent that's struggling right now. They've changed coach and we have to be up to the task."
Valverde expressed his confidence in the players' ability to move on after the disappointment of Tuesday, stressing that overcoming setbacks is an important part of the sport.
"Throughout the season, there've been moments when we've faltered and we've bounced back quickly. Being eliminated happens to most teams in all competitions," he said.