Valverde: "We have to be at our absolute best"
Valverde: "We have to be at our absolute best"
The gaffer spoke ahead of Saturday's big clash against Atletico Madrid at San Mames, a match set against the backdrop of our 125th anniversary closing ceremony
Head coach Ernesto Valverde stressed Athletic Club will need to be at 100 per cent against a "tough and competitive" Atlético Madrid at a San Mames ready to celebrate the end of our 125th anniversary year.
The Lions are fifth place in LaLiga EA Sports with 29 points whereas Los Colchoneros are third with 34 points on the board.
"We will try to be at our absolute best and make sure they don't perform well," Ernesto said in his pre-match press conference. "They're a great team and very competitive. We know what Atlético Madrid are like. They are one of the big sides and we have to be on it.
"We're sufficiently motivated for this match as it is, regardless of the circumstances that make it an important and significant day for the club. We hope to help everything go well. It will be a difficult game at San Mames, nonetheless."
All is set for a special day for Athletic supporters, with many highlights in store: the unveiling of Iribar's statue, a procession involving former players and a legends match. But winning three points come above all else.
The gaffer added: "We have to concentrate on the match. That's our job. The players and I are completely focused on the 90 minutes against Atlético."