Valverde: “We want to keep this run going”

After kicking off LaLiga with two consecutive victories, Ernesto Valverde is confident Athletic can keep "picking up points’ on our visit to La Cartuja, a stadium which holds a special place in Athletic fans' hearts.

On Sunday evening at 19:00 CEST, the Zurigorri will face Manuel Pelligrini's Real Betis, who are currently playing at La Cartuja due to renovation work taking place at the Benito Villamarín.

“It's a complicated match against a tough opponent," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference.

"It's always difficult to play there, this time at La Cartuja, which brings back good memories for us.

"Betis are always up there and they're regulars in European competitions. Pellegrini's teams are always very strong offensively, and we expect them to be tricky opponents.

"We're hopeful we can get some more points and keep our winning run going. It's still early doors, but this is an opportunity for us."

Following "competitive" consecutive home victories against Sevilla and Rayo, the gaffer is keen to see how the Lions "fare away from San Mames".

He continued: "You have to suffer a bit to win LaLiga matches because it's very difficult. Your opponents will try to hurt you, and you have to try to do the same because all your opponents have ways of making life difficult for you. We'll try to play well tomorrow."

With our Champions League opponents and fixtures now confirmed, Valverde admitted that any outcome would have been equally difficult:

"You look at the opponents and think it's going to be really tough, but it's tough for everyone," he said.

"They're very strong teams. It's what we wanted. Now we have to compete and see how far we can go."