“Anything can happen. We're motivated to reach the final”

Ernesto Valverde and Iñaki Williams reiterated that Athletic Club have not come to Saudi Arabia to make up numbers, promising that the Lions will do everything possible to reach the Spanish Super Cup final.

First up, Athletic face Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona in Wednesday evening's semi-final in Jeddah (kick-off at 20:00 CET).

"Anything can happen and we have to take advantage of that," the gaffer said at his pre-match press conference.

"We're not the favourites, but we have this opportunity and we intend to make the most of it. Being here is a reward, but we want a bigger one: reaching the final.

"We know how difficult every match is, but we must focus on what we came here to do. Everything is still to be decided and we're motivated."

Athletic and Barça will open this year's edition of a competition that has been played in Saudi Arabia since 2020.

Valverde said: “For us, it is a great honour to be competing for a trophy in Jeddah.

"Being here is a reflection of last year and we want to do things right. We always give it our all on the pitch and tomorrow will be no different as we try to seize this opportunity."

 

“We've come here to win”

Iñaki Williams reminded everyone that Athletic upset the odds to beat Real Madrid and Barça on the way to lifting the 2020 Supercopa.

He added: "We're really looking forward to it. We've come here to win. We've already done it before by beating Real Madrid and Barcelona. We can spring a surprise.

"Competing for a trophy is always special, and representing Athletic is always wonderful. We're going to give it everything.

"Our moment will come and what that could mean for our morale is very important for us. Hopefully we can do it."