Valverde: "The objective is to beat Real Madrid and, after that, to keep on winning"

Ernesto Valverde gave his first press conference of the season, in which he reviewed the current situation at the club. 

When asked about the objective of the campaign, the Zurigorri coach responded emphatically.

"The objective is to beat Real Madrid on the first matchday and, after that, to keep winning". 

Valverde sees the team in good shape, "feeling the workload at times because we haven't stopped for six days with training and endurance work, but it's what we have to do".

On the signing of Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, the coach stated that "we expect a lot from him, he is a player with experience and quality who will hopefully help us a lot". 

Txingurri also spoke about Asier Villalibre and his loan spell at Deportivo Alavés last season.

"It went well for him and we are very happy, because if it went well for him it would go well for Athletic.

The idea is that he stays with us". 

Regarding the Spain Under-21 internationals, Valverde said that they have a rest holiday until 29 July because "they've had practically a year without stopping". 

Regarding of the squad for the season, the Athletic coach stated that "no team in the world would consider their squad closed at this stage of July.

"We'll see how the market goes. We have had an important departure in defence, but we also have players who can play in that position". 

Finally, Valverde responded to the messages spread by different agents about a possible relationship between Athletic in the case of Osasuna, UEFA and the Conferene League.

"We have nothing to say because it doesn't concern us, it's Osasuna's problem and we have nothing to do with it, it's up to them to play it and that's it.

"We are doing our thing, preparing LaLiga and the Cup.

"It is false that we have nothing to do with this matter, whoever has put out this false news is trying to bias the Osasuna fans against us and knows nothing about Athletic, we are not interested in them at all".