Valverde: “We want to get into good league positions early on”

Head coach Ernesto Valverde said it was important for Athletic Club to use these early fixtures to build a solid platform and get into decent league positions in the opening stages of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Zurigorri have three points from their first two fixtures and the gaffer is keen to see his side pick up plenty of points in Bilbao this season.

"This season one of our objectives is to improve our home numbers," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Real Betis visit to San Mames on Sunday night (21:30 CEST).

"It's a very important game for us. It's a good opportunity to keep that winning feeling. We want to get ourselves into the sort of league positions that interest us early on."

Valverde expects a competitive encounter on Sunday night, calling Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis "a proven side".

He added: "In recent years, Betis have qualified for Europe on a regular basis. They have already faced two important opponents this season, picking up a total of four points. They were already strong last year and have a lot of potential."