Valverde: "We’re taking this Girona match very seriously"

Ernesto Valverde reiterated that his Athletic Club players are determined to beat Girona FC, stressing that we are moving into a phase of the season in which every point counts.

The match at Montilivi will provide a tough examination which the Lions will need to overcome if they want to move into European contention.

“We want to keep picking up points," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference. "Every match is different. They're tests which we need to pass.

"We’re taking tomorrow’s match very seriously. Winning would be very significant for us. We have a great opportunity to take a step forward. If we can make the most of it, it could prove crucial.

“Everything is crucial now. There’s no turning back, and every team has a lot at stake. The points you drop now are lost for good, and the ones you win are a valuable treasure."

The Zurigorri will be hoping to build on last week's strong performance against FC Barcelona at San Mames, but they face a tough opponent in Girona, a side that’s always competitive, especially at home.

He said: “They’ve recovered well from a poor start, doing so by relying on their strengths, and they’re a team with a distinct identity. They look confident.

"Our aim is to win tomorrow. It always is. We’ve got players back and that gives us a good feeling, but we need to show that on the pitch.”