Lekue: "We're ignoring the statistics and focusing on the game itself"

Iñigo Lekue analysed the key factors in Saturday's match against FC Barcelona at Camp Nou, as well as the team's situation and his personal condition. 

The Lions return to LaLiga action after a two-week international break and the Bilbao native is predicting "a very demanding game".

"Barcelona have players of the highest calibre, among the best in Europe and the world, and lately we haven't had much luck," the right-back said at a pre-match press conference.

"Lamine [Yamal] is one of those players who can make a difference, and we'll try to stop him from doing so on Saturday."

The defender is upset that Zurigorri fans will not be able to accompany the team as Barcelona are unable to open an away stand for the first match at the recently renovated Spotify Camp Nou.

Lekue said: "Being the club that we are, many of the fans that usually travel are family and friends. It's a shame that we won't be able to count on their support this time."

Lekue is choosing to remain calm about Athletic's results: "Bad runs are what people outside the club focus on, but we don't dwell on them. We focus on each game as a one-off match, regardless of statistics."

The Zurigorri player admitted that the current fixture schedule is taking its toll, saying that "playing every three days is physically and mentally exhausting".

He continued: "This year, we have also taken another step forward in European competition, and it shows. The matches and opponents are more demanding."

When asked about how to recapture last season's form, Lekue highlighted the difficulty finding the "positive momentum" that puts teams on a winning streak.

"There are matches where we have seen a repeat of the attitude and style of play from last season.

"Last year we were on a roll, this year we're struggling. We're finding it hard to find that positive momentum where the team is solid and starts winning matches almost without trying.

"Being competitive throughout the 90 minutes and last year's consistency come from working hard every day. When everything is going well, winning becomes an instinct, but behind it all there is constant effort. We're working to get back to that." 

On a personal level, the Bilbao native said he has made a full recovery from recent injury setbacks.

He said: "They weren't serious, but they did affect me because I wasn't able to get the continuity I need. Now I feel good and I'm 100%."

To conclude, Lekue spoke about his evolution within the dressing room: "You arrive to the first team as a rookie and, almost without realising it, teammates, veterans, captains leave... so you take on that role little by little."