Valverde: “We have a lot to play for against Alavés”

Ernesto Valverde insisted Friday's match against Deportivo Alavés holds a lot of importance for Athletic Club. The derby at Mendizorrotza offers Los Rojiblancos a chance to keep their unbeaten run intact.

Los Leones have only tasted defeat on one occasion so far in LaLiga EA Sports 2023/24, an opening day loss to Real Madrid at San Mames.

“We're fully focused on tomorrow's match. There's a lot to play for," Valverde said at his pre-match conference on Thursday evening. "It's a classic derby between two side that always compete well. The atmosphere will be lively and we should try to enjoy it.

⚪️🔵 🆚 🔴⚪️

"It has all the ingredients to be a classic derby match."

"We have to keep grafting away. There's a lot to play for tomorrow."

🎙️ Ernesto Valverde #AlavésAthletic #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/thE3FSzBdz

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) September 21, 2023

"Winning a derby is always difficult. There is a rivalry and it's complicated. They compete well, have an intense style and rarely lose their nerve. It will be a tough game."

The competition is now entering the phase in which the sides at the top are hustling for a good position to build a decent platform for the rest of the season. A victory in Vitoria-Gasteiz would serve Athletic well in that respect.

Valverde said: “All the sides are trying to get into strong positions. There are no clear objectives. Taking three points gives you an important boost in the table and if you don't win you drop down the standings.

"Our intention is to be well placed after these first ten matches and to get as many points as possible. We have to keep grafting."