Yuri: "Friday's match is vital for us"
Yuri: "Friday's match is vital for us"
The defender is confident about Athletic's chances against RCD Mallorca, saying the Lions "have a promising future"
Athletic Club left-back Yuri Berchiche reiterated that Friday's match against RCD Mallorca at San Mames (21:00 CET) is crucial for Los Leones' European aspirations.
Having drawn and lost their last two LaLiga fixtures, Ernesto Valverde's charges are desperate to get back to winning ways.
"Friday's match is vital if we want to be at the top end of the table come the end of the season," Yuri told local media on Wednesday.
“They're a tough opponent. They defend in a low block with five at the back and they have very powerful players. If we play in a similar way to how we did last year we'll win, as we're being clinical.
"It's very difficult for our opponents to take points at San Mamés. We have to use our trump cards and get our fans going to win. We have to win this month, no matter what."
One of the squad's more experienced players, the full-back admitted it's one of his most exciting seasons in the Zurigorri jersey.
He said: "This team has a promising future. Of the six years that I've been here, the collective feeling is the best.
"We still have a lot of things to achieve, but we are building a pretty good team. We've got young people with energy and others with that degree of experience so they can learn. I'm happy with the way things are going.
"I feel good. Feeling good about yourself is the most important thing. I'm at my best again and I'm enjoying what I like to do."