Valverde: "The secret to these runs is to not overthink them"
Valverde: "The secret to these runs is to not overthink them"
The gaffer urged his team to not "overthink" their good run in LaLiga while stressing the importance of consolidating their position in the standings
Ernesto Valverde has put Athletic Club's unbeaten run in LaLiga, which stretches back to October, down to a focused mindset in which the Lions take on each match as it comes.
This Sunday, the Zurigorri travel to Barcelona on Sunday where they'll face RCD Espanyol (14:00 CET), a side that has not lost at home since October.
"Espanyol aren't getting a lot of points on the road, but we're playing at their home and they're a strong team there," the gaffer said at his pre-match press conference.
"They haven't lost there since October, they're combative in front of their fans and they know how they want to play.
"We're also unbeaten across many matches, but the secret to these runs is to not overthink them."
Athletic are fourth in LaLiga, four points ahead of fifth-placed Villarreal CF and four points behind FC Barcelona.
A positive result at the RCDE Stadium would go along way to consolidating the Lions' grip on a Champions League spot.
Valverde added: "It's an important match for both teams for several reasons. Our plan is to show up and try to get three points which would mean a lot to us. You're always thinking about if you can improve your position."