Paredes and Valverde want a strong performance against Qarabag

Aitor Paredes and Ernesto Valverde both emphasised the importance of being strong at home and getting a positive result against Azerbaijani champions Qarabag FK at San Mames.

The Lions are yet to win in this season's Champions League after losses to Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund, with both Aitor and Ernesto stressing that Athletic will need to be at their best to defeat the unbeaten Azerbaijanis.
 

Aitor Paredes: “We need the victory and we're going to go for it”

The Zurigorri defender highlighted that this is "an important, vital match" for Athletic Club.

He continued: "We have zero points and six matches left, three of them at home, where we need to be strong. The first one is tomorrow. We need the win and we're going to go for it."

Paredes warned that Qarabag, who have beaten Benfica and Copenhagen, aren't coming to Bilbao to see the sights.

He said: "After these two victories, they're no longer a surprise.

"They have six points in the Champions League, like we wish we had. We know it will be a very difficult match because they've proven themselves.

"They're not here for a holiday, they're here for the three points, just like us. We don't feel like favourites at all, we have to respect them because they've already shown what they're capable of."

The centre-back called on San Mamés to help the Lions secure the first European win of the campaign.

"Tomorrow, at home, it's really important to win. We need it, and we hope our fans will give us that extra boost."

Paredes spoke about the need "to get back to how we played last season", adding: "We've got to play forward, be ambitious, and show we want to score with every move."

 

Ernesto Valverde: "This is our chance to start picking up points"

The gaffer spoke in a similar vein to our number 4, stressing the need to put some points on the board.

"The standings are what they are: they're at the top and we're at the bottom. Tomorrow is our chance to start picking up points."

Regarding the packed fixture schedule and the added physical strain, Valverde acknowledged that "it's a handicap to come from playing three days ago and have another match in three days' time".

"They arrive fresher. Even so, the league table put pressures on us and this match is important, we are aware of that."

Valverde stressed the need for balance in the way Athletic play: "The team that plays best in attack and defence has a better chance of winning. We want to be at our best in both aspects."