Valverde: "It will be a difficult, unpredictable and fast-paced match"

Ernesto Valverde is expecting a "difficult" match against Girona FC at San Mames on Saturday, saying the Lions have prepared as though they're facing the Catalan side in the form they showed last year.

The 2023/24 duels were vibrant and evenly matched and Ernesto Valverde believes that Saturday's game will follow a similar pattern. 

"Last year we played two very intense games, both at home and away," Valverde said.

"Both games were very close. They're a team that always gets up the pitch. They push a lot, you think you can put pressure on them and limit their attacks, but they are consistent and insistent.

"They don't mess around with their game plan and I'm expecting an opponent that matches the level they showed last year. It will be a difficult, uncertain and fast-paced match."

After coming through the Europa League first phase with flying colours, finishing in second place and qualifying directly for the last 16, Athletic Club now have a full month ahead with no midweek fixtures.

Asked if whether that makes February's LaLiga matches more significant, Valverde insisted his goal is to win every match regardless of the circumstances.

He said: “We have 16 games left, the next four are just as important as the ones after. Our intention is to do everything we can to get all the points.

"After that, the teams we face will have a lot to say about it too, because we're getting to the point where everybody has a lot to play for."

With several players leaving on loan during the transfer window, and others out injured, the gaffer has called up wingers Aingeru Olabarrieta and Endika Buján from Bilbao Athletic as cover.

"They are two similar but slightly different profiles," Valverde added. "We have a problem with injured wide players. These two play for our reserve team. They're top-level players, technically good and have an eye for goal.

"I think they can help us. If we need them at some point in the match, they will play."