Iñaki Williams: “This is a dream come true. We want it to last as long as possible”

Iñaki Williams reiterated that Athletic Club's return to Champions League football is a "dream come true" and the entire squad is determined to make the most of it.

The Lions will kick off the 2025/26 campaign against a powerful Arsenal FC side who are "one of the favourites to win the competition". An opinion shared by Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde. 

"For years we have fought to be where we are," Iñaki said at his pre-match press conference.

"Tomorrow we are going to fight to keep the dream alive for as long as possible.

"We are playing against a great team, one that shows no mercy. We have to make the most of the chances we get.

"At San Mamés, we always have our moment, and the key will be to make the most of it. We will try to stifle them in their own half, break up their play in midfield and finish off moves quickly, with the support of our fans."

On a personal level, the striker acknowledged how excited he is to play his first Champions League match.

He said: "Apart from Laporte and Yuri, no one else in the team has played in this competition before. For me, it's a dream come true and I want to help the team with hard work and goals.

"I haven't scored yet [this season], but I think it's good to have chances because it brings you closer to scoring. Hopefully I can score on Tuesday and the Athletic fans can go home happy."

Regarding the team's ambition in the competition, Iñaki stated: "We have no fear. We aspire to go as far as possible. We know it is difficult, but we like to 'go under the radar' and hopefully that motto will take us far."

Lastly, Williams wanted to send a message to the fans-

He said: "In difficult times, stick with us, because we're going to give it our all. We're a united team, tough for our opponents, and I'm convinced we can achieve great things in the Champions League."

 

Valverde: "In the Champions League, no team holds anything back."

Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde also shared his thoughts ahead of the match, emphasising the magnitude of the challenge facing Athletic.

He said: "We're very excited to be playing in this competition, the most important international club competition. The teams hold nothing back, they play with everything they have.

"Arsenal are totally focused on this match. They are one of the favourites to win the Champions League thanks to their technical and tactical ability, and the winning spirit that [Mikel] Arteta has instilled in them.

"This experience must serve to make us better and enable us to compete more effectively."

Regarding the team's chances, Valverde warned that Athletic will "have to be very careful and take advantage of opportunities. Arsenal won't be forgiving.’

The coach is expecting a great atmosphere at San Mames: "Our fans are going to come very motivated. It's the start of the Champions League and we're playing against a high-level opponent, the kind that Bilbao likes."