Athletic Club Prepares for Crucial Copa Match Against Cultural Leonesa

Athletic Club returns to the Copa del Rey this Tuesday, facing Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa in a match that coach Ernesto Valverde has highlighted as crucial. Following a significant defeat in the Supercopa semifinal against FC Barcelona, the team is eager for redemption. Yuri returns to the squad, although Berenguer and Simón are dealing with injuries. Additionally, Laporte remains sidelined due to injury, while Vesga continues to struggle with back pain that prevented him from participating against Barcelona.

Valverde expressed confidence about the upcoming match, stating, “It doesn’t matter how the conditions are since it’s a decisive game where one team will win and the other will be eliminated. In our previous match, we had to adapt to challenging circumstances, but we managed to advance. Now, we are facing a team with dangerous players who thrive in open spaces. They have nothing to lose, making this an important match for us.”

On the team’s morale following the Supercopa defeat, Valverde noted, “It was a tough loss, particularly given how it unfolded. We’ve reflected on it and will aim to use it as motivation to improve. Our league performance hasn’t met expectations, but we are competitive in the Champions League and see possibilities. The Copa del Rey holds great significance for us, and Cultural Leonesa likely shares that sentiment. It’s a knockout tournament, which keeps everything open. While the higher-division team is often seen as the favorite, playing away adds a level of unpredictability. We must focus on what we can control to secure a win.”

Discussing the potential for European competition, Valverde remarked, “Even without the possibility of European qualification, we would still strive to win. Each competition is important. Since the season began, we’ve emphasized that the league is our primary focus, but cups, particularly the Copa, offer a chance to win titles. We achieved this recently, and we recognize the challenges ahead, but the opportunities remain.”

Regarding the loan of Manex Lozano to Racing, Valverde explained, “This was a club decision, and I was aware it was a possibility. Given our player roster and those in Bilbao Athletic, Racing’s interest was considered. The club determined that a loan would benefit him, as we believe we can progress with our current squad and those from the B team.”

On Cultural Leonesa’s manager, Cuco, Valverde said, “I know Cuco well and have observed his teams play. They are well-structured and possess skilled players who manage the ball well, particularly in counter-attacks. He aims to create a compact unit. I anticipate a challenging match. Cuco and I have shared many experiences together, and although we haven’t seen each other for a while, our bond remains strong. Football often forges lasting connections through both good and tough experiences.”

Regarding goalkeeper choices, Valverde mentioned, “We will assess tomorrow. Simón also sustained a knock during the Supercopa.”

When discussing the goals conceded this season, he stated, “Our statistics differ from last year, partly due to some heavy defeats, like the nine goals conceded against Barcelona and four against Dortmund. We are not typically a team that concedes many goals. Overall, especially in the league, our defensive trend has been similar to last season, and we have not allowed many goals.”

Finally, on his future with the club, Valverde remarked, “I haven’t spoken with the club about this matter. We are at a pivotal point in the season, and there is still much to decide. My focus is entirely on the upcoming matches. If inquiries arise, there will be an appropriate response.”