Valverde: “We're a good team, but we need to be more consistent”

Ernesto Valverde reiterated that it's too early to worry about Athletic Club's form, insisting they are "a good team" and the positive results will come sooner rather than later.

On Wednesday evening at 19:00 CEST, the Zurigorri host Valencia CF, another side yet to record a victory so far this season.

“I'm not worried or nervous because I know what we're capable of," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

"We're a good team and we do well in moments, but we need to be more consistent. I'm confident in what I see every day, but we need to win.

"We know what football is like. There's always pressure, LaLiga doesn't forgive anyone. In these situations you need a win more. It's the same for Valencia."

The Lions' opening two matches have seen them draw 1-1 against Getafe CF at home and lose 2-1 to FC Barcelona in Catalunya. The gaffer insisted Athletic's home record will be "key to our success".

Valverde said: “They were different games against completely different opponents. In both we tried to play our game and at times we succeeded and at others we didn't. 

"We want a certain constistency in how we play and above all we want to be strong at San Mamés, which was key to our success last season."

Even though Valencia have suffered defeats in their first two fixtures, the boss is refusing to overlook them. He is adamant Los Che have the "ability to make life difficult for us".

He continued: “They played well here last season and were in good form. The game got out of hand at times, they caused us a lot of problems and we needed to equalise in the last minute.

"They're a young team with potential and strong players. They're a tough opponent. It will be a difficult match for us, just like last year.

"No team is afraid and even less so in the third week. It's true they strugged the other day, but they'll want to make up for that. And that makes them doubly dangerous."

Valverde said playing four fixtures in the first two weeks of the season seems "illogical" and warned about the impact it could have on players.

“There are more matches and more competitions every year. Today's football is being fully exploited in order to distribute as much money as possible," he said.

"Playing three league games in such quick succession so early in the season seems a bit illogical to me, but we have to shoehorn in the competition or otherwise we won't be able to finish it in time.

"There will be a day when the players say enough is enough and there competitions will be regulated."