Valverde: “We want to start the season well”

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde insisted his Lions will do everything possible to make sure they start the 2023/24 season off on the right foot.

Los Rojiblancos get proceedings underway at San Mames against fellow LaLiga ever-presents Real Madrid and Valverde emphasised how important The Cathedral will be throughout the upcoming campaign.

"In matches like this, the fans always get behind us. San Mames never lets us down in that respect," Ernesto said at his pre-match press conference.

"The team's efforts make people feel involved and engaged with how we play. We'll do everything we can to guarantee there's a great atmosphere. We really want to start the season well."

Carlo Ancelotti's side come to Bilbao with some unfamiliar faces and a slightly different set-up, but Valverde warned they will be as tough to beat as ever.

He said: "We're starting off the season against an opponent with great quality. They're good in attack and in defence. They've got talented individuals who are strong and fast. It's a solid group which will get better over time."

Nonetheless, the Athletic gaffer is confident and feels the intense pre-season has left Los Leones suitably prepared for Saturday's clash and beyond.

"We have to be strong over the 90 minutes to make sure we don't concede. And at the same time, we have to put them on the back foot," he added.

"There were some tough matches over the summer which have stood us in good stead for this first match. Our aim is to start well and build some confidence from there."