Terzić: “I’m convinced we’ll deliver a great performance in Valencia”

Edin Terzić is expecting a top-class performance in what will be Athletic Club’s last LaLiga match at the ‘iconic’ Mestalla stadium (Saturday, 21:00 CEST).

The Lions have had two matches postponed in their last three, in addition to the long international break, but the gaffer is hopeful there will be no rustiness, insisting his players are ready to deliver.

“We haven’t been able to compete and we don’t like it, but that's now history," Edin said at his pre-match press conference.

"We’re looking ahead. we’ve been able to prepare well for the match and I’m convinced we’ll deliver a great performance at an iconic stadium like Mestalla.

“It might well be our last match there – a century-old ground that’s very special to Athletic too. I want to see my team make a big impact.

"I wasn’t happy with our first 13 minutes at Vallecas, and that’s something we need to change tomorrow. I need to feel that we’re ready, because we’ll be up against a very capable opponent, although, as I always say, our efforts and expectations must be focused primarily on our own team."

New Valencia head-coach Javier Aguirre will be in charge of his first match at Mestilla. During pre-match preparations, the emphasis has been on just how adaptable the Mexican manager’s tactics are.

Edin said: “We know the team and their manager as well. He has managed nearly 500 LaLiga matches with various teams. He has used a wide variety of formations with the teams he has managed.

"The good thing is that we’ve faced teams with different styles of play, and if they adapt, we need to be sure that we’ll do the same."