Valverde: “This match is a great opportunity for us“
Valverde: “This match is a great opportunity for us“
The boss confirmed the team is in good shape and "looking forward to the game" in Mallorca
Ernesto Valverde said that Athletic Club's upcoming LaLiga match against RCD Mallorca presents the Lions with "a great opportunity to get to nine points" on the board before the international break.
Los Rojiblancos are coming into Sunday's fixture in Palma de Mallorca (kick-off 16:15 CEST) on the back of important consecutive victories over European qualification rivals CA Osasuna and Real Betis.
"It's important because last season we had certain difficulties against those opponents," the boss said at his pre-match press conference.
"Getting rid of that bad feeling is key, above all to revitalise ourselves at the start this campaign."
Although Mallorca are yet to win so far in LaLiga 2023/24, Ernesto warned Athletic "will have to be at their best to beat them".
He added: "We know the difficulties involved in taking on Mallorca. They know how to play their trump cards very well, they're brave and they fight for every ball. But we want to maintain this run of positive results we've been stringing together."
Finally, the gaffer reiterated he is content with Athletic's summer business stating they've put together a strong squad for the rest of the season.