Valverde: "We want a farewell befitting of the year we've had"
Valverde: "We want a farewell befitting of the year we've had"
The gaffer, who signed a new contract extension on Friday, spoke to the press before our final LaLiga 2024/25 fixture
Ernesto Valverde hopes to give the Athletic Club fans at San Mames and Oscar de Marcos a send-off that's worthy of what has been a historic season for the Lions.
The Zurigorri will see out the 2024/25 campaign with an exciting fixture against newly-crowned LaLiga champions FC Barcelona (21:00 CEST).
"It's our last game, we're playing at home against the champions and Oscar de Marcos is saying goodbye. I think there's enough there for us to be motivated," the gaffer said at his last pre-match press conference of the season.
"It's not just any match, it's a significant one. We know there's going to be a good atmosphere and we want the people who come to San Mamés to celebrate with us.
"We'll be going for the win. The opponents are the best side in the competition this season, so it's a tough one for us. But we want to have a farewell befitting of the year we've had."
On Friday, Valverde put pen to paper on a new one-year deal which will take his overall time as Athletic boss to 10 years.
"I wanted to wait until the season was over and everything was finalised," the gaffer said about the agreement.
"When I sign a contract I always say that what I would most like to do is see it out, because for a coach that's already difficult.
"At the moment it's nine years with the prospect of another one and I feel that things are going well.
"It's about moving forward and trying to have a better team. We're going to play in a very powerful competition like the Champions League next season. I've already experienced it here, I know it and it's tough."
The gaffer also had words of praise for departing captain Óscar De Marcos, who will hang up his boots after 16 seasons at Athletic.
"I admire him personally and professionally. Coaching him is different because of how he is from a personal point of view and how he is within the group dynamic," he said.
"He's always been an important player. Beyond thinking that he is an example for his behaviour on and off the pitch and for what he stands for, he is retiring at the age of 36 in front of a lot of people.
"He's an extraordinary footballer with great physical and technical qualities that have improved over time. All of that has enabled him to remain at the highest level throughout his career."