Valverde: "We'll focus on LaLiga first and then the Copa"

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde reiterated that his players cannot get ahead of themselves, stressing they must concentrate on the upcoming LaLiga fixture against Valencia CF before looking at the Copa tie against FC Barcelona.

Los Leones, on a run of four consecutive victories, will take on Ruben Baraja's Valencia side at Mestalla, a team who have only lost once on their last five matches.

"LaLiga is our absolute priority right now and then later we'll think about the Copa," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Valencia (21:00 CET).

"The match against Valencia at San Mames was really difficult and now they're in a good moment, having won three LaLiga games in a row. They're a young and talented team getting better and the season goes on."

A win would stretch Athletic's unbeaten run to 15 games. It would be a tremendous boost as they get set to face FC Barcelona at San Mames in the Copa on Wednesday January 24.

Valverde said: “It's a classic match against a tough opponent. We're lucky enough to play the match at home in front of our fans. We're excited and have high hopes.

"It will be a special and difficult tie for both sides. But first, we have to play Valencia."