Valverde: “We really need to get the three points”

Ernesto Valverde made it clear that Athletic Club must start putting more points on the board in LaLiga, reiterating that the competition is an utmost "priority".

The Lions travel to bottom-placed Real Oviedo on Sunday afternoon (14:00 CET) and a win could see Athletic move up the table.

"LaLiga is the priority and that's what I try to drum into the squad," the gaffer told the press at his pre-match press conference.

"We're lacking the consistency we'd like and this is another opportunity after we won at home last weekend.

"This is a very important match. We really need to get the three points. We've dropped too many and we don't have as many as we want."

 

💪 "We need the points. Winning tomorrow is a priority."

🎙️ Ernesto Valverde previews #RealOviedoAthletic #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/5M1CSQQsxc

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) February 14, 2026

Ernesto warned that Oviedo would be no pushovers, pointing to the Asturians' improved performances of late and their recent 1-0 home win over Girona FC.

He said: "We have to focus and figure out how to beat tomorrow's opponents, especially given how difficult it is to play there.

"It will be difficult because we're playing against a team in a complicated situation. They're giving it their all, like us, and they're playing well, meaning they've always got a chance of winning."