Valverde: "We want to take a step forward"

Ernesto Valverde reiterated that Tuesday night's Copa clash against Cultural Leonesa is a chance for Athletic Club to gain some confidence and get back to winning ways.

The Lions head to the Estadio Reino de León where they will take on Kuko Ziganda's side for a place in the quarter finals.

"We want to take a step forward," Valverde said in his pre-match press conference.

"This is a crucial point in the season. We're playing four consecutive away matches and have a lot to play for. Tomorrow's match is decisive and we're completely focused on that."

The gaffer stressed that "the Copa means a lot" for Athletic Club and our fans, saying: "It's an opportunity to win a trophy, just like every year. We know it's difficult, but the chances are always there."

When asked about the opponents, who have already eliminated Andorra and Levante, the Athletic head coach described them as a "well-structured team, with a compact defence and forwards that can score goals. It will be a very difficult match".

The gaffer also spoke about his friendship Kuko Ziganda, a teammate from Ernesto's playing days at Athletic, as well a former Zurigorri head coach.

Valverde said: "Kuko and I have been through a lot together. That's the thing about football: when you share so much, you become close to that person.”