"We have to be strong at San Mames"

Athletic Club midfielder Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and and head coach Ernesto Valverde both stressed the importance of securing points at home in a competition that is "very short" and "demanding".

The Zurigorri have collected four points from their first two Europa Leauge fixture and are looking to consolidate their position towards the top of the standings.

"Knockout competitions always give you options, but if you have very bad games or situations in which you don't score or your opponents score, you're out," Valverde said during the press conference.

"There are certain situations that have to go your way if you want to go as far as possible, which is what we want.

"It's a very short competition and every match is important because of the points you gain and what your opponent doesn't gain.

"We want to be strong at San Mamés and these are three important points. We always have to be at our best."

Slavia Praha come to San Mames in fine league form, sitting top of the Chance Czech Liga having not lost a single game so far this season.

Valverde said: "I know the team. I played a Champions League group stage against them. They were a really tough opponent. They have the same coach and the same style of play, with a very high tempo in attack and defence. Their players run a lot and they have a lot of spirit and solidarity. I expect a tough and lively game.

"Slavia are top of their league and are used to playing in European competitions every year, more so than us. That means they can take control of the game.

"They play with three centre-backs, but it's a very versatile system because then they attack and press with a lot of players and go after you. We must be aware that they have a great physical presence.

"The way they play, I do expect us to have chances for quick transitions because they do that as well."

"We always go out to win, that's the best we can do"

Central midfielder Ruiz de Galarreta reiterated the side's good form and said the team has come back energised after the recent international break.

He said: "We're in a good moment. We're going in three-week blocks and it is very important to come back strong from the international breaks. I think the group appreciated the break to recharge our batteries. We've returned with a lot of enthusiasm and the last good result has given us a lot of confidence.

"Tomorrow's game will be completely different, but we will be looking to do the same things. It's very special for us to play a European match at San Mamés. We know that home points are very important and we will try to get all three tomorrow.

"We'll will go out as we always do, to take the match to our opponents. We will try to be proactive and create chances.

"Being in this tournament is very exciting, for us and for the fans. We've been looking forward to it for years. For the moment, the aim is to be competitive in every game.

"We're facing a tough opponent. Europe is very demanding, every game is very complicated. It's an eight-game league and we know we have to be very strong at home. We always go out to win, that's the best we can do."

Ruiz de Galarreta warned that Athletic are taking on a "great team" in a "great moment" with a "lot of experience in European competition".

He continued: "We know it will be a very tough game and we'll have to do very well to win. They're physically very strong and have a lot of pace.

"They have important players up front who are scoring a lot of goals. The only match they haven't won was a draw, and only the really good teams can do that.

"We must be firm and intense in defence, just like we have been so far."

The no.16 played in Europe during his first stint at the club and is delighted to do so again this time around.

"I played in Europe many years ago," he said. "My experience is relative because I was very young. 
I played a few minutes and that was lucky for me, but I don't feel I have a lot of experience as such.

"In football in general I would say I do, and I think that's very important to help younger people. They also teach us things, so we help each other and grow with each other. We have a very good atmosphere in the dressing room and that's special.

"I always say the same thing, coming back home after so many years and being back at Athletic is amazing, it's the best I could have hoped for.

"Having the opportunity to be back in Europe is a dream come true for me. Our aim is to make the most of this moment and to achieve as much as possible."