Valverde: “The Copa is always full of suprises”

Ernesto Valverde warned that his players will need to keep their wits about them when they face Ourense CF in the Copa round of 32 on Thursday evening.

Despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to RC Celta in our most recent LaLiga tie, the boss is confident Athletic will produce an improved display against the Galicians.

"This is a different competition," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference. "Successes and mistakes count for a lot. Tomorrow we'll find out if we continue or not.

"The Copa is always full of surprises, and it's important to know how to handle situations that we're not so used to.

"The key is in the way you play, in knowing how to adapt to the situation and the pitch. Nobody wins these matches easily.

"It's a one-off match. If we want to advance, we have to know what we're playing for from the start."

Ourense have already caused upsets by knocking out top-flight sides Real Oviedo and Girona FC to get this far in this year's Copa.

The boss reiterated the importance of not underestimating the Primera Federación side, stressing that they have the ability to "hurt" Athletic

He added: "They're in good form. They've regained positions in the league and strung together a series of positive results, boosted by their performance in the Copa.

"They have won two knockout matches against First Division teams and are a side with quality and strength in the duels."