‘Let's see if we can do it better’

Ernesto Valverde appeared with the media in his first press conference after returning to training. With the Lions already immersed in pre-season, the coach is looking ahead to a campaign that, for another year, is as demanding as it is exciting.

'We're back in the starting position, with the same need to win. It's complicated and we have to prepare well. We want to give continuity to last year, with good results in LaLiga, which continues to be our main objective, and continue to compete in Europe, where this year the demand increases with the Champions League. We're excited, of course.'

In order to arrive in the best conditions for the official kick-off, Athletic have scheduled a demanding series of friendly matches against big-name opponents: 'They are important teams, at a high level, and they want to play against us. It will be good for us to measure ourselves and see where we are at.'

The red and white team will face this preparation with hardly any changes, in line with the Club's philosophy.

'One of the good things we have here is the great stability, which is unusual in other teams, where there are a lot of changes in pre-season. We know each other well and that allows us to focus on new aspects without having to go back to others that have already been worked on. Let's see if we can be even better with the squad we have.'

On the objectives for the season, Valverde insisted on the need to continue growing: 'Let's see if we can repeat our European qualification. For that we have to work and push hard. We will try to strengthen our strengths and improve other aspects.'

Ernesto also had words of support for Yeray: 'We have to help him and give him all our support, but we can't comment on anything as the matter is ongoing; I can only say that we hope the best for him and for us.'