Valverde: "We have to get back to our best"

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde urged his players to make up for the opening day defeat to Real Madrid with an improved performance againt CA Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday night (21:30 CEST).

The Lions head to Pamplona for their first Basque derby and first away day of the campaign.

"The other day our opponents were clearly superior to us. We weren't good enough and they were very good," Valverde said during his pre-match press conference.

"In terms of effort, we're a team that gives everything and we weren't at our best. Even in situations without pressure, we didn't play well. Tomorrow we have to get back to our best.

"Obviously, when you lose there's more pressure in the next game. In that sense it's good for us because I think that's when we perform well."

🎙️ Ernesto Valverde previews tomorrow's #OsasunaAthletic

"It will be a tough match, as they always are at El Sadar. But we have to improve and start putting points on the board."#AthleticClub 🦁

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) August 18, 2023

Valverde admitted "it will be a tough match" in Pamplona, saying Los Leones "need to be in the right frame of mind" against a powerful side.

He added: "We have to improve and put points on the board, because we need them. Osasuna are a strong opponent. Last year everything went very well for them and they've carried that into the new season.

"We didn't get the best results against them. The matches we played in Pamplona last season were close and the small details didn't go our way.

"After having played each other a lot in recent years we know each other well. There are no secrets and both sides will stick to their respective styles.

"You always look for motiviation in every match. That feeling of revenge is good. Let's see if we can make up for having not beaten them last season."