Unai Gómez: "The match against Girona will be amazing"

Athletic Club midfielder Unai Gómez is expecting a thriller against high-flying Girona FC when the Catalan side visits Bilbao on Monday night (21:00 CET).

Michel's outfit are the surprise package of the season, currently trailing LaLiga leaders Real Madrid. The clash at San Mames could prove vital to both side's European ambitions.

"We're not afraid of Girona, we can't wait to play them," Unai said at a press conference on Friday morning.

"It will be an amazing match at San Mames. We played a great game in the reverse fixture but could only take a point back to Bilbao. We have to stay focused on Monday and try to get the three points."

Despite the Copa semi-final return leg looming on the horizon, Unai Gómez stressed the Athletic's squad's "main objective is to get into Europe".

He added: "We're not going to stop until we qualify. Obviously, playing in a Copa final and winning it would be huge.

"But, as I said, right now we are only thinking about our LaLiga games against Girona FC and Real Betis. I'm sure they'll help us prepare for the semi-final second-leg at San Mames."

The Bermeo native gave an honest response when asked about the team's last few results away from home.

"Personally, I didn't leave Almería happy," he said. "I think we missed a good chance, because every time we don't get three points it's a lost opportunity.

"I feel I could have done much better and helped the team more."

The 21-year-old said he is "coping well" and remaining "calm" about breaking into the first team.

He continued: "I have people around me who keep my feet on the ground. Mikel Jauregizar and I get a lot of encouragement when we're out and about.

It's been many years since there was anyone from Bermeo in Athletic and now there are two of us. It is a source of pride for the town and they give us a lot of support."