Lekue: "We're hoping to get the season off to a good start"
Lekue: "We're hoping to get the season off to a good start"
The Athletic full-back is full of optimism and enthusiasm ahead of his ninth campaign as a Lion
Athletic Club full back Iñigo Lekue said he cannot wait to get LaLiga EA Sports 2023/24 underway, promising that Athleticzales have "plenty of reasons to be excited" about the upcoming campaign.
The Lions kick-off the new season at San Mames against Real Madrid on August 12 (21:30 CEST*). Before that Los Rojiblancos have four more warm-up tests, against Racing Club Santander (July 27, 19:00), Celtic FC (August 1, 20:30), SD Eibar (August 3, 19:00) and Manchester United (August 6, 17:00)-
"All of us Athletic fans, whatever happens, are always eager to support the team, to start a new year and to experience great moments and matches at San Mames," Lekue said at a press conference on Wednesday morning.
"There are plenty of reasons to be excited if you're an Athletic fan. I'm optimistic and we're hoping to get the season off to a good start."
Although Athletic narrowly missed out on qualifying for Europe last season, the defender insisted that will be their target again for 2023/24.
He said: "Even though we didn't make it, we were fighting to get into Europe right up until the end of the season. This year it will be the same, the intention is to be up there.
"If you look back over the last few years, it's the small details that haven't seen us miss out on those extra points. I think we have to improve in terms of consistency in results and how we play."
As for his personal expectations, the no.15 reiterated his desire to "keep helping the club and his teammates".
He continued: "I have the same hunger as always to train every day and to compete to the maximum. Every minute on the pitch with this shirt is a gift for me. It's a dream, so I want to keep dreaming and I'll do for whatever it takes."
*All times are CEST