Valverde refuses to make excuses despite Athletic's injury crisis ahead of crucial Atalanta clash
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde remains defiant as his depleted squad faces a must-win Champions League trip to Bergamo against high-flying Atalanta.
Athletic Bilbao head to Bergamo with their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, but manager Ernesto Valverde isn’t reaching for the excuse book despite an injury crisis.
Crucial European showdown
The trip to face Atalanta represents a do-or-die moment for Athletic’s Champions League campaign. Valverde pulled no punches about the challenge ahead, describing the Italian side as “a very strong team with an imposing presence, an aggressive style across the pitch, and players of tremendous quality.”
The Basque outfit know they’re up against it, with midfielder Mikel Galarreta admitting they’re practically in must-win territory for their remaining fixtures.
“We’re convinced we can do it,” Galarreta stated. “We know we need to get at least a point, but we want to win.”
Injury crisis deepens
Athletic’s preparation has been hampered by a growing casualty list that’s giving Valverde proper grief:
- Iñaki Williams faces an extended spell on the sidelines
- Nico Williams had to withdraw from training
- Yuri Berchiche and Alex Berenguer missed training sessions
The situation eerily mirrors the injury problems Athletic faced before their Europa League semi-final against Manchester United last season.
No excuses culture
Despite the setbacks, Valverde remains adamant his team won’t use absences as an alibi.
“Our intention is to compete regardless because you can’t predict winning or losing based on a squad list or starting eleven,” the gaffer insisted.
Valverde acknowledged recent results haven’t been up to snuff, especially after promising performances against Atlético Madrid and PSG. “Something happens in one game, then something different in the next. What’s not right is that too many things are happening to us, and we need to improve something.”
Seeking their identity
Galarreta spoke for the squad when he expressed their determination to rediscover their best form: “We’re trying to be ourselves again.”
The midfielder also had a message for the supporters back in Bilbao: “I ask the fans to trust the team because we want to improve, win again, and enjoy together.”
With a crucial La Liga fixture against Sevilla looming at the weekend, Athletic’s season is reaching a critical juncture on multiple fronts.