Valverde: “We must win no matter what”

Head coach Ernesto Valverde reiterated that Athletic Club cannot afford to let up in LaLiga EA Sports as they get set to host RCD Mallorca at San Mames on Friday night (21:00 CET).

The Lions have drawn one and lost one of their last two fixtures in the competition and Valverde is keen to see his charges return to winning ways.

"We can't take anything for granted," the gaffer said at his pre-match press conference.

"Things can always change, you always have to be on your guard. You can't trust anyone or anything. There's still a lot to be done and a lot left to be said.

"You have to go into each match without making too many calculations. Just one: win no matter what."

Athletic face a side that are hard to beat and have shown that despite suffering struggling for wins in recent times. Valverde warned that Friday's match will be vital for both teams.

He said: "It's an important match because we want to win again. We know who we're facing. Mallorca are a nightmare to play against.

"They fight for everything, they're difficult to break down and they're very good on the counter-attack. They've made things very difficult for us in our recent matches."

An exciting and intense February awaits Athletic, but Valverde insisted the Lions must take things one match at a time.

"Right now our priority is LaLiga and getting all three points." he added. "Our aim is to maintain our current position in the league. We need points and we're heading into a month where things can go either way. We must be fully prepared for this match."