Valverde: "We have a lot left to play for"

Ernesto Valverde reiterated that Athletic Club's season is far from over, saying they have 10 matches left and a lot on the line.

The gaffer described Sunday's LaLiga clash with Real Betis at San Mames (18:30 CET) as "very important" and an opportunity "to make up for" for last week's defeat to Girona FC.

"We have a lot to play for," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference. "We have 10 opportunities to fight for our lives in every match.

"We can’t afford to lose that drive which has given us so much and that we cling to when things aren’t going our way. If we stick together, we’re stronger.

"We're gearing up for a very important match tomorrow. We want to pick up the points and get back on track."
 

🫡 "There are ten matches left and we have a lot to play for."

🫂 "We have to go and fight for our lives in every match."

🎙️ Ernesto Valverde previews #AthleticRealBetis 👇

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) March 21, 2026

The gaffer stressed the need to remain focused on short-term goals, emphasising the need to go up "one floor at a time".

He added: "There’s still time to do plenty of things, but to get to the second floor, you have to get to the first one beforehand.

"What’s important for us now is tomorrow’s match against Betis. We want to build some momentum that will drive us forward.

"From there, we’ll aim to climb up the table and avoid any problems."

The Andalusian side are fresh from a resounding 4-0 victory over Panathinaikos in the Europa League, and Valverde warned that "their three forwards are very important".

"Betis are looking very strong," he continued, adding that they're "maintaining a steady pace that’s keeping them in the European places. It’ll be a tough match for us".