Valverde: "We're favourites, but we have to prove that on the pitch"
Valverde: "We're favourites, but we have to prove that on the pitch"
This is what the gaffer had to say as Athletic start their Copa del Rey defence with a trip to Logroño
Ernesto Valverde has insisted he doesn't want to see any suprises against UD Logroñés and has promised Athletic Club won't be complacent against the 2nd RFEF outfit.
Athletic Club broke a 40-year curse to win the Copa de Rey and take out La Gabarra last season, but that is in the past now and the Lions will begin their defence of the trophy in the round of 32 against UD Logroñés.
"These matches frighten me," Valverde said. "Outsiders assume that the team in a higher division will win, but when it comes down to it, you find that it's more evenly matched than it seems. There are many elements that make a game closer than it might seem at first glance.
"The pitch, the atmosphere, the opponent's spirit, etcetera. We have to be very prepared for all that, because one of the two teams will be eliminated tomorrow.
"We're favourites, that's true, but we have to prove that on the pitch. We can't think that we have an advantage because we're in a higher league."
The Athletic head coach warned his Lions will need to be switched on to beat a side that has already produced a Copa upset this season, knocking out Girona FC on penalties in the second round.
He said: "UD Logroñés eliminated Girona FC, a team that plays in the Champions League, and before that they defeated SD Eibar. We're going to approach it correctly and assess the opposition and the situation. They concede few goals and don't let you get close to their box. They haven't lost at home yet this season.
"We go into these games well prepared because we know how difficult they can be. But after that we need to play well and make sure we don't make any mistakes. That's why we need to work hard.
Valverde also mentioned Alex Padilla's future, with the young goalkeeper having signed an extension until 2029 on Friday evening, saying it's likely he'll be sent out on loan to gain more experience.
"We're thinking that Padilla will play the rest of the season on loan," Valverde added. "It's a possibility due to his performances at the highest level and the suitors he has."