Valverde: “This is a key match, there's a lot to play for”

Ernesto Valverde reiterated the importance of getting a positive result from Sunday's Basque Derby against Real Sociedad (21:00 CEST), stressing that it's "another opportunity to win and start feeling good again".

After falling to defeat against Manchester United in the home leg of their Europa League semi-final, Valverde insisted that the Athletic players are in good shape and ready for the derby.

"We're fine," he said. "The defeat hurt us, but we still have a lot of things to play for, including tomorrow's derby, and we have to defend our strong position in LaLiga.

"We have to get back on our feet and prepare for this match."

Ernesto warned that Real Sociedad are "consistent and very competitive", saying that the Donostia-based outfit will be "tough to beat".

He added: "This season they've lost some important players that are very dificult to replace.

"They have a chance of qualifying for Europe and under Imanol [Alguacil] they've become accustomed to being in Europe for several years. We know that they're going to fight for it until the end.

"There's a lot at stake for both teams and it's an important game. We should ignore the league table. They're going strong and so are we. The points difference between us doesn't mean much in a derby.

"We'll have to play our game and make sure they don't play theirs. It's another chance to win and starting feeling good again."

When asked about Nico Williams' hernia issues, the Zurigorri coach praised the player's sacrifice and "huge effort" to keep playing.

He said: "He's not going to play because he's not fit. He's been struggling with this hernia problem for a while now but he's been making a huge effort to be available.

"He finished the other day very badly and he won't be able to play tomorrow. We have to assess the situtation day by day."