Valverde: "We want to be strong at home"

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde reiterated how important it was for the Lions to turn San Mames into a fortress and make sure they do not let points escape at home.

On Friday night at 21:00 CEST, the Zurigorri face strugglers UD Almería, a side yet to pick up a win this campaign, but Valverde warned his side against taking a win for granted.

"It's an important match because we're coming off the back of a defeat and we want to be strong at home," Valverde said in a pre-match press conference.

"Almería are in a delicate situation at the moment because of where they are in the league. The other day they seemed to have to the match tied up with a 3-0 lead and they ended up drawing.

"Nonetheless, we must respect Almería, a team who can hurt you, and we need to play well. It's a crucial match for us."

Despite the fact Almería are in a managerial flux, Alberto Lasarte taking the job on an interim basis after Vicente Moreno was let go, Valverde is preparing to face a well-drilled opponent in Bilbao.

He said: "I imagine they will try to leave no space behind at the back and then attack with their fast players. They haven't lost their heads in any of their matches, except against Sevilla when they conceded two early goals.

"They will look to play to their strengths and make an impact. Last season no other team scored more goals from set-pieces. I'm not expecting a disoriented side because of the situation in their dugout.

"They're desperate for points and I imagine they'll be very focused going into this match, but that can be an advantage for us."