Valverde warns of 'competitive' Sevilla as Athletic aim to build on European heroics
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde expects a typically tough challenge at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán as his side looks to carry Champions League momentum into La Liga.
Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde is keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of Saturday’s crucial La Liga clash with Sevilla, despite the euphoria of their midweek European triumph.
From Bergamo to Seville
Valverde’s men pulled off a remarkable comeback victory in Bergamo against Atalanta in the Champions League, but the gaffer knows they need to quickly refocus for their trip to the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.
“The victories always give confidence, and a victory like the other day even more so,” Valverde acknowledged in his pre-match presser. “Athletic isn’t accustomed to winning away in the Champions League, nor even playing in it. We experienced a limit situation, we came back, and it was a demonstration of competitive spirit.”
League struggles need addressing
Despite their European heroics, Athletic’s domestic form has been patchy at best. The Basque outfit currently find themselves in a congested mid-table scrap with Sevilla among several clubs separated by minimal points.
“We’re being irregular,” Valverde admitted with typical honesty. “We’re playing for our season in this second half, and it’s a very important match for both teams.”
The gaffer was also quick to reference last weekend’s disappointing result against Mallorca, describing it as “unfortunate” while expressing frustration with several contentious refereeing decisions that went against his side.
Injury concerns
Athletic continue to monitor several players carrying knocks:
- Aymeric Laporte needs more recovery time and is targeting next week for a return
- Several unnamed players missed training sessions and face late fitness tests
Sevilla warning
Despite Sevilla’s own inconsistent form, Valverde isn’t taking anything for granted against a side renowned for their fighting spirit.
“I expect a competitive Sevilla, as they always are,” he warned. “They’re a team that always fights until the end.”
He specifically highlighted their recent performance against Elche, where they showed tremendous character to avoid defeat despite being behind.
Young talent shining
Valverde also took time to praise two of Athletic’s promising youngsters:
- Adama Boiro has impressed in high-profile matches against Arsenal and PSG
- Robert Navarro possesses “incredible conditions” but needs to improve defensively
As the business end of the season approaches, this Sevilla-Athletic clash could prove pivotal in determining which side can make a late push up the table. For Valverde’s men, it’s a proper chance to show their Bergamo brilliance wasn’t just a one-off.