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

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

The boss urged his Lions to "keep grafting" as they get set to face Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorrotza on Friday night (21:00 CEST)

Sep 21, 2023

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.

"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."
 

Related News
Dec 4, 2023

Tickets for Athletic Club vs UD Las Palmas are on general sale

Club

The public tickets sale for the Canary Islanders' visit to Bilbao will start on Monday December 4

See more
Dec 3, 2023

Work plan until December 10

First Team

Athletic Club's men's first team will use the following work schedule until December 10

See more
Dec 2, 2023

Valverde: "We don't want this to be a random streak"

First Team

The gaffer lauded the Lions' dominant victory over a tricky Rayo Vallecano side at San Mames

See more
Dec 2, 2023

Mikel Vesga medical report

First Team

The midfielder pulled up while warming up before our match against Rayo Vallecano

See more
Dec 2, 2023

Athletic run rampant against Rayo at San Mames

First Team

4-0 win against Rayo to open up a gap in the European places and Nico tops it off by scoring a great goal

See more
Dec 2, 2023

Online Bar. Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano

Club

Make your orders during the match, pay online and pick it up at your assigned 'Poza' bar in San Mames

See more
Dec 2, 2023

Match Pack: Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano (LaLiga MD15)

First Team

On a run of consecutive LaLiga matches without defeat, Los Leones will be looking for another three vital points at San Mames

See more
Dec 1, 2023

Valverde: "We're facing one of the best away teams in LaLiga"

First Team

Ernesto Valverde previewed Saturday's LaLiga EA Sports clash with Rayo Vallecano at San Mames on Saturday (16:15 CET)

See more
Dec 1, 2023

Squad List: Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano (MD15)

First Team

Ernesto Valverde has named a 23-man squad for Saturday's LaLiga EA Sports clash at San Mames

See more
Dec 1, 2023

Practical Information: Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano

Club

Relevant points for anybody attending Saturday's LaLiga EA Sports clash in Bilbao

See more