Valverde's 2026 focus: 'Right now, I'm only thinking about beating Osasuna'
Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde keeps his focus narrow as his side prepares for their first match of 2026, emphasizing the need to improve their Liga form.
As Athletic Club prepare for their first fixture of 2026 away at Osasuna, manager Ernesto Valverde is keeping his ambitions firmly in check, focusing solely on the immediate challenge ahead rather than making grand proclamations for the year.
New Year’s Resolutions
When asked about his hopes for 2026, Valverde was characteristically pragmatic: “For now, beating Osasuna. I’m not looking further ahead.” The gaffer’s bread and butter approach makes perfect sense given Athletic’s recent Liga form, having lost half of their matches this season—a stark contrast to their more consistent performances last term.
The Basque boss acknowledged that while 2025 was broadly positive, particularly the first half, his side has struggled recently: “We need to win matches. We’re having more difficulty securing points, but we have another half-season where our idea is to reinforce what we’re doing well.”
Valverde revealed the squad has undertaken “a small reflection” on their performances, identifying the need to build momentum rather than expecting sudden miracles: “Dynamics need to be pursued because an illumination won’t make us score three goals. We need to persevere.”
Injury Concerns
One of Valverde’s primary wishes for the new year is to “limit injuries,” which have been causing the team proper grief. He noted this is challenging given the relentless fixture schedule that affects all clubs.
Regarding specific players, he confirmed that both Yuri and Laporte will be “cutting it fine” for the Supercopa, suggesting they’ll likely return afterwards—a bit of a mare for Athletic’s defensive options.
The Osasuna Challenge
Athletic have a surprisingly strong record in Pamplona, winning seven of their last nine visits, but Valverde isn’t taking anything for granted:
“It’s an extremely complicated match against an opponent who is very powerful at home,” he warned, noting Osasuna’s recent convincing home victories against Alavés and Levante.
He praised Osasuna manager Lisci, who “had an extraordinary season with Mirandés last year,” and acknowledged the challenge ahead: “Doing simple things is sometimes the most complicated thing in football.”
Transfer Window
On potential January moves, Valverde remained typically cagey: “I’m counting on the players we have. I don’t know if someone will leave or arrive, which I suppose will be more complicated.”
Athletic will be hoping to kick off 2026 with three points as they look to climb back up the table after an inconsistent end to 2025.