Valverde unfazed by derby double-header as Athletic prepare for Real Sociedad showdown
Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde remains calm ahead of the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Basque rivals Real Sociedad at San Mamés.
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde is keeping his cool despite the high-stakes nature of back-to-back derbies against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Derby fever grips Basque Country
The prospect of facing their fierce rivals twice in quick succession doesn’t have Valverde reaching for the brown bread (nervous). The experienced gaffer is taking it all in his stride as Athletic prepare to host La Real in the first leg at San Mamés.
“It’s a beautiful semi-final for everyone, two derbies with plenty of tension and excitement among the fans about reaching the final,” Valverde explained, emphasizing the significance of these encounters to the Basque region.
Injury concerns mounting
Athletic’s medical room is getting a bit crowded ahead of the crucial fixture:
- Yuri Berchiche: No muscle tear but unlikely for the first leg
- Alex Berenguer: Confirmed absence
- Oihan Sancet: Partial training return yesterday
- Dani Vivian: Dealing with a virus on top of existing issues
- Several others nursing minor overloads
Youngsters Duñabeitia and Eder García have been called up to training to bolster the squad. Meanwhile, Valverde confirmed that Julen Padilla will continue in goal for the cup tie.
Tactical approach
Valverde expects a tight contest based on recent meetings with Real Sociedad. The teams drew their last encounter in La Liga, a match Athletic had to battle back in after falling behind.
“It’s not a definitive match, unless something unbalancing happens, but looking at the derbies we’ve played, they’ve been quite even,” Valverde noted.
The manager is wary of La Real’s technical qualities and defensive strength, particularly from wide areas. He’s spent time reviewing their previous meeting, looking to maintain what worked well while improving areas of weakness.
Matarazzo making his mark
Valverde acknowledged the positive impact of new Real Sociedad boss Sebastian Matarazzo, who has quickly improved results since taking charge:
“They’ve picked up a very good dynamic. He’ll still need time to implement his ideas, but since he arrived, results have been moving forward. That makes players believe more and play with more freedom.”
Despite this upturn, only three points separate the teams in the league table.
No clear favourites
When asked if La Real might be favourites due to hosting the second leg at Anoeta, Valverde was dismissive:
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind if that were the case because it doesn’t guarantee anything. For Real fans, they’ll be the favourites; for Athletic fans, we’ll be the favourites. I don’t think it’s particularly interesting because in a derby, the distances always get shorter.”
With a place in the Copa del Rey final at stake, Valverde is promising that one Basque team will be reaching the showpiece event. Proper derby this, can’t wait for it to kick off!