Valverde: “Matches against Rayo are always open”

Ernesto Valverde is predicting an "open" clash when Athletic Club host Rayo Vallecano at San Mames on Monday evening.

Both teams started the season with wins and, historically, these fixtures tend to be goalfest, with the last five matches between both teams at The Cathedral producing at least three goals.

“Matches against Rayo are always open," the gaffer said at his pre-match press conference on Sunday evening.

"I suppose tomorrow's game will follow the same pattern. Rayo finished the pre-season very well, they won their LaLiga opener on the road and also then did the same in the Conference League. They're on a roll and will want to keep proving themselves.

"We want to repeat our performance from the other day and get another three points at San Mamés, but I expect it to be a tough and exciting match."

With Rayo boss Iñigo Pérez having played under Ernesto Valverde at Athletic Club, the Lions' head coach was asked about Rayo's currently tactical style and its similarities to Athletic's.

Valverde insisted the resemblances has more to do with both coaches' time at Athletic as opposed to his own influence on Iñigo's approach.

He said: "All the coaches that have been at Athletic share things in common. We like to play at a high tempo, put the opposition under pressure when they're in possession, etc.

"Rayo like to press high up the pitch, be combative in every challenge, in the press and always try to play in the opposition's half. In that respect, we are two very similar teams. 

"There will be a big battle to see who gains control of the ball, who can play a tidier game and who can prevent the opposition from reaching the area."