Valverde: "This is a great opportunity"

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde reiterated that Monday night's clash against UD Almería is a "great opportunity" for the Lions to consolidate their position towards the top of the LaLiga EA Sports table.

Having suffered just one league loss since the start of the year, the Zurigorri are fifth in the standings, three points off fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.

"Tomorrow we have a great opportunity to stay in a good league position," Valverde said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Monday's match at the Power Horse Stadium (21:00 CET)

"You only have to look at the standings, get three points and it's a big step forward."

Despite the impressive midweek Copa win over Atlético Madrid, the boss emphasised the need to think in the short term and concentrate on LaLiga, stressing that nobody "knows what will happen in the Copa".

Ernesto also warned that it would be dangerous to underestimate winless Almería, saying Gaizka Garitano's side will be "extra motivated" to get a first victory of the season.

He added: "When the games come thick and fast, everyone decides which one is the most important, depending on the opponent or the competition, and they don't realise that you're playing for something in all of them.

"We're playing away from home and it's obviously a difficult game because Almería are doing well. It's true they're bottom of the table and have very few points, but they compete well in every game.

"They are being punished by certain factors. There is less and less time left and, because of the situation they're in, we expect an extra-motivated team. We have to be at a good level if we want to win."