Iker Muniain: “We'll deliver our message on the pitch”

Athletic Club captain Iker Muniain said he wanted the players to do their talking on the pitch as he fielded questions from the press in the build-up to Saturday's Copa final in Seville (22:00 CEST).

Ernesto Valverde reiterated that saying nothing should be taken for granted and there was no such thing as favourite in a final.

"The message is all 11 on the pitch must do what we here to do," Iker Muniain said.

"Hopefully we can win the game and make everyone happy. Winning the Copa would be incredible for everyone.

"The calmer we are, the more confident we will feel. We will try to be protagonists and bring rhythm to the final. We know we'll be playing against an organised, strong and intense team. It will be a hard-fought game, like all finals."

Ernesto Valverde, calm and collected, stressed how tight the game will be.

He said: “He said: "In a final you can't talk about outsiders or favourites. The match is open and Mallorca have as much chance as us, both teams deserve to be in the final. We have to fight for it on the pitch. 

"We are good, happy to be here. Since the beginning of the season we have been dreaming of this. We want to be on this pitch and play this final.

"The responsibility we have is to win, not only to please our fans, but also to represent a club, ours, that always wants to win."

Both speakers also "thanked fans from all over the world" for their support, believing the turnout in Seville and the messages received from across the world demonstrate Athletic's "greatness" and what "a final means to our club."