Areso: "We're just focusing on winning at Mestalla"

Jesús Areso stressed that Athletic Club are prepared to fight for a victory at Mestalla on Saturday night (21:00 CEST) despite the disruptions caused by two postponed LaLiga matches and the international break.

Last Saturday's match against Rayo Vallecano was abandoned due to objects being thrown on to the pitch, whilst heavy rainfall saw the Lions' Matchday 6 fixture against Levante UD called off and rescheduled for October 10.

"It's an uncomfortable situation," Areso admitted at a press conference on Wednesday morning.

"The other teams keep playing and we’re stuck on eight points. But right now we’re just focusing on Valencia and making sure we play our way there."

"We all want to be playing in LaLiga again. I think you always have to look on the bright side. Let’s focus on winning and then we’ll have those two matches in the bank."
 

👊 Areso previews Saturday's #ValenciaAthletic: "Let's focus on the positives: winning at Mestalla and we've got two matches in hand." #AthleticClub 🦁 https://t.co/FpzEnOxtuU

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) October 14, 2026

As for Saturday's clash, Areso said "it's always a tough fixture", adding that "with the change of manager you don't know how they'll perform on the pitch".

The full-back was candid about his current performances and fitness levels compared to last season.

He said: "Physically, I wasn't in good shape. But this year I asked myself: 'What can I improve?' and I set out to do whatever it takes to be in the best possible shape."

Areso alsp praised former Athletic captain Oscar de Marcos, currently part of Edin Terzić's backroom staff, describing him as a role model and "one of the best right-backs the club has ever had".