Villalibre: “I've taken a step forward compared to last season”

Athletic Club striker Asier Villalibre is confident he has taken "a step forward" this season in terms of his personal performances and what he offers to the team even if he yet to make a start so far in 2023/24.

All of the Buffalo's five appearances this term have come off the bench and he got his first goal of the campaign in the 3-0 win over Cádiz CF at San Mames last month.

"Right now I know that I have to contribute from the bench because Gorka Guruzeta is having an incredible start to the season. That's undeniable," Asier said in a press conference ahead of Sunday's match against FC Barcelona at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (21:00 CEST).

"I think that's an improvement compared to last year, where I was hardly involved at all. I'm training hard every day to play better when I get the chance and, if possible, to get more minutes."

The no.20 admitted Los Leones are desperate to get playing again after the international break. He also acknowledged the fixture in Barcelona will be tough, but believes Athletic will have their chances.

He said: "We've just come from a week's break and we're really looking forward to getting back to competing. We know how difficult it is to play against a world-class team, but this season has shown that every match is complicated to win. We will have our chances.

"It's difficult to create a lot of chances against Barça away, so we'll have to be effective with the ones we have. In this start to the campaign, we've proven we can do that."

Villalibre said Yeray's injury was unfortunate for the centre-back but he is hopeful someone else can step up and replace the defender.

"Yeray is always positive around around us. But it must be hard to come back from injury and then relapse almost straight after," he said.

"Now it's important to keep looking at what we have at home, because that is our future. Athletic have always lived off bringing through young home-grown players."

Finally, Asier was asked about seeing former teammate Iñigo Martínez again.

The forward said: "I don't consider it a reunion, because we're still in regular contact with him. In my case, I have a very good relationship with him and we talk a lot."