Valverde: "Our aim is to win and help Unai Simón lift the Zamora Trophy"

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde reiterated that the Lions first goal this weekend was to beat Rayo Vallecano and then after that to aid Unai Simón in his quest for the Zamora Trophy.

The Zamora Trophy is given to the LaLiga keeper with the best ratio for fewest goals conceded per game. Simón is locked in a three-way battle for the accolade along with FC Barcelona's Marc Ter-Stegen and Real Sociedad's Alex Remiro.

"Our aim is to win the match and then, before someone else can grab it, we want Unai Simón to lift the Zamora trophy," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference.

"As much as anything else because keeping a clean sheet will also help us take something away from Vallecas. We will try to win, play as we always do, with the aim that Unai can take the prize."

The gaffer reiterated that Simón's chances of winning the award will not impact their approach, saying the Lions "will play as they always do".

He added: "We won't change anything. If we have this chance, it's because we have done very well so far. Let's see if we continue in the same vein."

Rayo Vallecano and will play Athletic again next season. Valverde described the Madrileños as "a brave team that presses high".

He continued: "They're an aggressive team. They get their attacking players involved and play at a high tempo.

"There's nothing really at stake, but in any case, both teams want to finish the season with a win."