Athletic Club’s Focus on Champions League Amid Liga Struggles

omidbasir- Athletic Club is currently focused on overcoming their challenges in La Liga as they strive to advance in the Champions League, a competition where they are close to securing qualification. “The important match is the one ahead of us, as it presents an opportunity to continue in the tournament, which itself would be a success. We will aim to seize this opportunity, and once it’s over, we’ll turn our attention to the next match. At the beginning of the tournament, considering our status as newcomers, we would have gladly accepted the chance to fight for qualification on the final day; let’s see if we can achieve that,” stated the team’s coach.

Regarding their recent defeat at Pizjuán, the coach remarked: “Let’s not conflate La Liga with the Champions League. Our league standing is not ideal, but we always aspire to progress in every competition. This is our chance, and we are aware that many variables are at play. However, if we win, we will qualify.”

The atmosphere in the dressing room is mixed, as the coach noted: “The results affect me just as they have in the past. Ten years ago, we faced similar issues in the Champions League while struggling in La Liga, and we were aware this could happen again. For many in the squad, this situation is new, just as is the chance to qualify for the next round of the competition.”

On player availability, he mentioned: “It is uncertain whether Laporte will be fit despite starting training again; it may be too soon for him. As for Nico, he appears unfit for tomorrow’s match. The matches are coming thick and fast, and Vivian is also dealing with some issues. We will assess the situation this afternoon and select the team accordingly.”

He addressed the fans: “The other day, after the Atalanta match, it felt as though we were almost eliminated, and you asked me the same question. I always tell the supporters that we strive to win every match. In La Liga, we have let incredible games slip away in which we were often the better side.”

Looking ahead, the coach commented on the upcoming match: “There isn’t much to contemplate. Given the numerous variables, what may work in the 89th minute could be irrelevant by the 91st. We need to focus on our task, which is to secure the victory, as we have enough to deal with already. Sporting Lisbon is a formidable opponent, aiming to break into the top eight.”

Discussing the threat posed by Luis Suárez and his teammates, he said: “We could devise an individual plan for him, Trincao, and their forwards, including Gonzalves. However, it’s not just about Suárez, who is quick and decisive; we must also consider their interior players and the left-back, who offers depth. We cannot fixate solely on one player.”

On mental preparation, he emphasized: “This is part of our profession, and it’s no different from previous matches. Every decision made by players carries risk. Our intention is always for the positive aspects to aid us in upcoming fixtures. It’s unfortunate that tough matches like León or Bergamo did not lead to continuity in La Liga. Maintaining a positive momentum can help us, but it’s important to note that not everything is resolved yet. We need to break the negative streak in La Liga as we have already advanced significantly.”

Regarding Selton’s minutes on the pitch, he mentioned: “He possesses qualities that are hard to find in any team, particularly in Athletic. He is quite different from others. He made a strong start, but we find ourselves in a challenging situation where it’s difficult to introduce players when times are tough. He needs to assess risk more carefully when he plays, but he is a player with extraordinary potential.”

The coach reiterated the importance of La Liga: “I have emphasized this throughout the season based on my experiences, though it hasn’t always been well received in our environment. However, I won’t dwell on that; we will discuss La Liga when the time is right.”

Expressing his confidence, he concluded: “Of course I have confidence. Winning brings happiness, and losing brings its own set of challenges. Winning a title means having two million supporters alongside you, while losing brings two million critics. I am here because of my past successes, and what I seek now are positive outcomes this year.”

On the absence of Jauregizar, he stated: “At some point, whether it was one issue or another, we had to stop. This absence adds to our challenges, and we will need to compensate with the resources we have.”