Valverde: “It's a big occasion for all but we expect to win”
Valverde: “It's a big occasion for all but we expect to win”
The boss spoke to the press ahead of Athletic's Copa match against CD Cayón on Thursday night (21:00 CET)
Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde warned of the dangers posed by a motivated CD Cayón in Los Leones' Copa second-round clash at El Sardinero but insisted his side should come through with the win.
The Zurigorri will face the Segunda Federación side at Racing Santander's stadium, El Sardinero, due to lighting requirements for the TV broadcast.
"We know it will be a tight match and we know what's at stake," Valverde said ahead of the fixture. "CD Cayón will pull out all the stops to try and knock us out.
"They have everything to win and so do we. We know it's a big occasion for everyone, but we expect to win."
Valverde noted that Cayón haven't "started the season well but they got a good result at home the other day".
He continued: "We imagine they'll end up higher in the table than they are right now. They'll really go for it in this match because it will mean a lot to them.
"In these games, motivation is more important than the players who take to the pitch."