Vesga: "We'd like to qualify for the Champions League"

Athletic Club midfielder Mikel Vesga admitted the team's dream is "to play in the Champions League" next season, but reiterated there is a long way to go yet.

The Lions have been in splendid LaLiga form this season and are currently fourth in the standings thanks to an unbeaten run which stretches back to October.

"Apart from the fact we didn't progress a bit further in the Copa, it's difficult to point to something bad this season," Vesga said at a press conference on Wednesday.

"We're fourth and we're performing well in Europe, and our fans are enjoying themselves, which is the most important thing. Everyone would like to see us up there until the end of the season, but we must go step by step.

"We'd like to play in the Champions League and anything else that comes after that would be great."

The no.6 described last Sunday's 7-1 victory over Real Valladolid as a huge confidence booster, saying it will help Athletic be ready for the crucial fixtures to come March.

He said: "We have a lot on the line in March and we know it. This Saturday we can close the gap to Atlético Madrid and then we face Roma. We're focused and excited."

Vesga has made 24 appearances so far this season in all competitions, accumulating a total of 888 minutes. The midfielder praised the current standard of competition for a midfield place at Athletic.

"Everyone is playing at a very high level," he added. "I'm really impressed with [Mikel] Jauregizar, with the maturity he has at his age (21). 

"We're very lucky and we're thrilled, because these players will be here for many years to come. As much as it pains me [not to play more], we have to admit that they're doing well and it's up to us to put pressure on them and make it difficult for the coach to choose."

With respect to Saturday's match against Atlético Madrid, the midfielder stressed that the Lions will need to keep their nerve at the Metropolitano.

He continued: "We saw it yesterday in their match against Barça, if you lose your head a little bit they can turn it around.

"We experienced it at San Mames, where we lost in the last minute. Atletico are capable of producing results out of the small details. 

"Julián Álvarez is playing a very high level and is one you have to watch out for, but then you look at their bench and whoever comes on can also score."