Valverde: “We want it to be a great night”

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde admitted his players are desperate to take on FC Barcelona and do "everything possible" to reach a fifth consecutive Copa semi-final.

Los Leones host FC Barcelona in the Copa quarter-finals at San Mames on Wednesday night (21:30 CET) in what will be the 46th time the tournament's most succesful teams have met.

“We're really looking forward to this one," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening.

"I know we're playing a lot of football at the moment, but the spark has to be there tomorrow. We're both aware there's a lot at stake.

"They could be favourites to win the competition, but we're playing in front of our fans at San Mames and we're going to do everything possible to make it a great night."

🎙️ Ernesto Valverde previews #AthleticBarça 🏆

⚔️ "We're going to do everything possible to make it a great night at San Mames."

➕ More from the gaffer's press conference here 👉 https://t.co/Cj4qXDI5uR#AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/sRtzcR0OUe

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) January 23, 2024

As with the last 16 against Deportivo Alavés, this will be a one-off winner-goes-through tie and the gaffer reiterated how important a role The Cathedral will play on Saturday night.

He said: “The San Mames crowds pushes us on and puts pressure on our opponents. We'll need to feel that on the pitch. We have to get them even more behind us with how we play.

Valverde is under no illusions about the scale of the task Athletic have in front of them, pointing out that Xavi Hernández's side "still haven't lost on the road this season".

"It will be difficult because Barça are the reigning LaLiga champions," Txingurri continued.

"They're very strong in possession and they forced you back a lot. At the same time they have people who can play in space. When they feel under pressure, that's when they're usually at their best."

Athletic's three-month long unbeaten run - which began after a defeat against Barça in October - came to an end against Valencia CF at Mestalla on Saturday night, but the boss is convinced that loss won't have a lasting impact.

He said: “It always stings because you don't like to miss opportunitie but It's not the first time we've lost. The other day perhaps we weren't clinical enough in certain areas, but we have to pick ourselves up and concentrate on the next match."

Valverde also spoke about José María Sánchez Martínez, the referee who will be in charge of the game.

"He's a referee I like a lot," Txingurri said. "Especially when we play away from home because copes well with pressure.

"But it doesn't matter who the referee is. Every match is different and let's hope he does as well as he can, like us, and doesn't make any mistakes.

"The real thing to worry about is the match and playing well. The rest is noise. We'll set it to one side and concentrate on what matters."