Valverde: “We have a chance to turn this around”

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde has insisted the players have the ability to put their recent rough patch behind them and stay in the "wide open" race for a spot in next season's Europa Conference League.

Los Leones host RC Celta Vigo in Bilbao this Saturday (16:15 CEST) and Ernesto admitted the Lions need to win all three points.

"The last match left us feeling hurt, especially as we had hopes of winning what was an important game for us," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning.

"After a few days of reflection we have prepared well for the RC Celta match and now we have a chance to turn this around move past what happened in Castellón. We're on the home straight and every game is important."

Saturday's clash with the Galicians, Athletic's penultimate home match, is vital for Los Rojiblancos' European interests. 

He said: "Everything is wide open and all will be decided in the next few weeks. Obviously, whoever wins three games will get seventh place. It's difficult and, for that reason, we have to go step by step and focus exclusively on the next game. We have to focus entirely on getting the three points against Celta."

Celta Vigo are yet to mathematically ensure LaLiga survival and will come to Bilbao gunning for a victory that will guarantee another season in the top-flight.

"We have a chance to get into Europe. We have to go for the win, dominate and put the opposition under pressure. That's what San Mamés wants. Celta have done well during the season, but they're not currently in their best form," Valverde added.

"They're close to securing survival. So, the points are vital for both sides. They play good football, they have quality, players that make a difference and aren't going to sit back. I expect us to be strong at the back and to be strong in the box."