“We want to take Athletic to a third European semi-final in history”
“We want to take Athletic to a third European semi-final in history”
The gaffer and forward Maroan Sannadi fielded questions from local and foreign press ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Rangers FC
Maroan Sannadi and Ernesto Valverde have said that they want to help Athletic Club create history by reaching just a third European semi-final in the club's existence.
The Lions most recent European semi-final appearance came in the 2011/12 Europa League, where they defeated Sporting CP to reach the final. Before that, they overcame Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek in the 1976/77 UEFA Cup.
However, before getting to that stage this time around, Athletic face a tricky return leg at San Mames against Scottish side Rangers FC.
"The team that wins will continue. It's a one-off match," Valverde told the press at The Cathedral on Wednesday morning.
"This is a key match, we could reach a third European semi-final in Athletic's history.
"We have to respect the opponent because they are a great team, they proved it in the first leg and they have a long history to defend as well.
"We're going to give everything, we'll be well back and we want to keep going in the Europa League."
Maroan wants to see his teammates experience "the day they've all dreamed of".
He continued: "It's a quarter-final, but we're not nervous. We just had a great win and it's given us confidence.
"I hope we can get through the tie. We're going up against an aggressive team with top level players. I'm expecting a great atmosphere at San Mames, which will surely help us to get closer to winning."