Valverde: “Villarreal will want a reaction after their Copa elimination”
Valverde: “Villarreal will want a reaction after their Copa elimination”
The Athletic Club boss spoke to the media ahead of this Sunday's Athletic vs Villarreal match at San Mames
Ernesto Valverde warned that Athletic Club will need to be on their guard against Marcelino's Villarreal this Sunday, reiterating that the Yellow Submarine "will be looking for a reaction" after their shock 1-0 loss to Pontevedra in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Despite that defeat, Valverde insisted Athletic will host a "very good" Villarreal team, one that has "only lost one away game this season”, at San Mames on Sunday (16:15 CET).
He continued: "We're practically neck and neck in the standings. They're a direct rival for us and, given the way they're playing, they will presumably be in Europe next year. They're a strong candidate to be up there."
Asked about the Lions' good form, Valverde replied that the objective is to "keep it going".
"We're very aware there's not a lot of distance between winning and losing in football," He said.
"We know we're a good team and it's good that people are excited, but we have our feet on the ground."
On the ten years that have passed since Iñaki Williams' debut, the Athletic coach highlighted the forward's record at the club.
Valverde said: "In the context of Athletic, his record is difficult to beat. What's he given to the club is outstanding."