Valverde: “There's nothing better than having a challenge”

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde reiterated that the Lions “want to keep competing to reach the Champions League” as they get set to face Granada CF in a crucial LaLiga EA Sports tie at San Mames (21:00 CEST).

The Zurigorri are currently fifth in the league, four points away from fourth-placed Atlético Madrid, with seven games left this season and an away clash with Los Colchoneros next week.

"We want to compete until the end. There's nothing better than having a challenge. In that sense we're aiming for the Champions League," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference.

"We're four points behind and any mistake would punish us. However, it's not about thinking about what's happened before, it's about feeling good and having a good end to the season.

"There is a good atmosphere and it's good we're happy. That also makes you perform better. If it made us get carried away, we'd look at it. But I have no doubts about the team's attitude."

San Mames hosts a Granada outfit struggling in the relegation spots and in desperate need of points if they are to guarantee survival, a situation which makes them more dangerous in Ernesto's eyes.

He said: “It's not going to be easy, winning is never easy. Granada need to make the most of all their chances in what's left of the season.

"They're 11 points away from salvation and for them, if it's not a definitive game, it's very close. They have to go for the win because there are only a few games remaining.

"If they don't get it, things will get very complicated for them. They're playing for their lives, but we are also playing for things and we want to get to the upcoming game against Atlético with a chance of catching them."

When asked about Raúl García, who recently announced his decision to retire, the Athletic manager admitted "it's difficult not to be amazed" by the forward's numbers.

"Not just at Athletic, but his entire career," Valverde added. "He's been in three teams and been a fundamental player at all of them.

"He is a role model in the squad, not just because he is a captain, but because of the way he does things, his professionalism, his drive, because of what he brings to us, because he never gives up and always fights.

"For us it's been a privilege and an incredible blessing to have him. We wish him all the best and he knows he is an important part of us."

To conclude, the head coach gave his opinion on the moment that led to Villarreal CF's stoppage-time equaliser on Sunday.

He said: "At the very least, it was controversial. We're a very correct club with referees. We always have been and we understand that the referee can make a mistake and decide one way or another.

"For me, it wasn't a penalty at the time and it still isn't today. But it was given, it happened and that's it. We're all exposed to criticism, managers first and foremost, and if I had to issue a statement every time I received criticism it would be impossible."