Valverde: "This is a great opportunity for us"
Valverde: "This is a great opportunity for us"
The gaffer spoke to the press before the Lions head to Madrid for Saturday's LaLiga match against Atletico Madrid (21:00 CEST)
Ernesto Valverde said Saturday's showdown with Atletico Madrid (21:00 CEST) is "important" as it "could be decisive" in the race for Champions League qualification.
Los Colchoneros are fourth in LaLiga on 61 points, while Athletic trail them in fifth place with 58 points. Due to the sides' head-to-head record, a win would see the Lions move into a Champions League spot.
"For us it is more of a final because we are behind them in the league," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference.
"If we win, we'd move level on points with them with five games left to play. On the other hand, if we lose, we would be six points behind them with 15 points still to play for. In that sense, defeat is more dangerous for us.
"It's an important match, it could be decisive. It's a great opportunity for us."
It will be the fourth time the two sides have met this season. While Athletic emerged victorious in the other three matches, Ernesto reiterated that "won't mean anything" on Saturday night.
He said: "To believe we won't suffer at Atletico Madrid's ground would be erroneous. They're a great side, who until very recently were fighting for a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
"As they're playing at home, it will be difficult for us to dominate the match. We know there will be moments where they put us under pressure and others when we have chances. We'll have to take them.
"It will be a tense game. We've beaten them three times this season, but that won't mean anything."
Valverde finished the press conference by praising Iker Muniain, who recently announced he will leave Athletic at the end of the season.
"Iker is an example for all of us," he said. "For the dressing room, the manager and Athletic fans due to what he has achieved here and what he represents. He's been fundamental to the growth of this club.
"His numbers speak for themselves. All at the same club. This is a decision he has taken after meditating and reflecting on it. All we can do is support him.
"What he has done for the team this year, behind closed doors, is incredible. When players who have been everything in an institution stop participating so much, it's difficult to accept it and stay in the right place to help the team in important moments like this year's Copa triumph.
"In that sense, he's been more than a 10 out of 10."