Valverde: “We know what's at stake”

Ernesto Valverde reiterated that his players have adapted well to their new league situation, whilst also speaking about the boost that reaching the Copa del Rey and the Europa League semi-finals has brought the team in recent years.

Wednesday's match against Valencia CF is an "important opportunity" and the gaffer is confident despite Aitor Paredes and Alex Berenguer being unavailable.

“The team has made the transition at full speed," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference.

"You can't forget what you have to do, and that's where some of the problems we've had lie. LaLiga is a long season, but we know what's at stake.

"There has to be a desire to get results from the very first minute of the season. We have to overcome our insecurities."

Athetic return to Mestalla to face a team below us in the table, but which beat the Lions in their LaLiga clash in Valencia back in September.

Valverde added: “Valencia are not in a bad place. Before losing Betis, they'd picked up six points. I think they're doing better, they have a large squad. It's an opportunity for them and for us, even though neither of us are in the best form."

The gaffer, who will once again select Alex Padilla for the Copa, argued that reaching various semi-finals in recent years "has given us a boost in recent years".  

He added: "It's a source of excitement. It will be difficult, we're playing away, but anything can happen."

Valverde also stressed that Nico Williams is "as motivated as always", saying: "He's a little down when he is injured. He would like to be feeling better, but I think he is doing very well."

He expressed his gratitude for the support shown from club president Jon Uriarte and director of football, Mikel González.

“At Athletic, throughout my entire career, I have always felt the trust of the club presidents and the people behind the scenes at Lezama.

‘"hat's guaranteed at Athletic and has to be the case until the very last day. I've always been grateful for that and it's a good thing. We're in the world of football, you have to win and results are what count."

The gaffer said that Yeray Álvarez's return to training is welcome news for everybody.

"He has worked hard, but he needs to get up to speed with the team and the competition. He's out of practice. We're very happy, we've missed him a lot."