Valverde: “We know tomorrow is a great opportunity for us”
Valverde: “We know tomorrow is a great opportunity for us”
The gaffer said getting San Mames engaged and fired up will be the key to winning Friday's match against RC Celta
Ernesto Valverde reiterated the importance of heading into the November international break on a high as he previewed Athletic Club's LaLiga Matchday 13 fixture against RC Celta at San Mames (21:00 CET).
Los Leones currently sit in fifth place with 21 points, but the standings are tight. There are only four points separating Athletic from UD Las Palmas in 10th and all the teams in between will have their eyes on moving into a European spot before the internationals.
“We know tomorrow's game is a great opportunity for us," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday evening.
"We'll have to suffer to get all three points, but a win would mean a lot to us. We want to build upon our victory over Villarreal last week."
🎙️ Ernesto Valverde previews #AthleticCelta
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) November 9, 2023
👊 "We have to push hard tomorrow. It's fundamental."
🔴⚪️ "We need the team and fans to connect. Our opponents know San Mames is a difficult place when that happens."#AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/jWFiOClQ6O
The Zurigorri come into the game on the back two LaLiga matches without defeat, including a hard-fought 2-3 win against the Yellows in Castellón.
Ernesto stressed that the San Mames faithful will play a crucial role in pushing the Lions towards all three points, insisting the players will have to "connect" with the crowd.
He added: “We'll push hard with our fans to win the match. Celta attack well and are dangerous in space. They're a difficult team to beat.
“If we connect with our supporters, they'll get behind us. Our opponents know the fans at San Mames drive us on and in moments of weakness they can hold us together.
"If we're aggressive in attack and concede few chances, the Athleiczales will be with us and that's what we have to aim for."