Athletic Club Prepares for Copa Match Against Valencia

Athletic Club faces Valencia in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, a competition that still offers the team a chance for success despite their disappointing results in La Liga. Coach Ernesto Valverde expressed his frustrations, stating, “I would prefer to be less angry, but everyone expresses themselves as they see fit. While I am here, I will strive to do my best for my team and my club.”

Regarding the support from the club’s president, Valverde noted, “Since I arrived, I have always felt the trust of the presidents and the people of Lezama, which is guaranteed at Athletic. This remains constant, regardless of who the coach is. However, it’s clear that in football, winning is essential, and results dictate everything. I am not concerned with external opinions; I know that winning resolves issues, while losing places blame on the coach, a reality I accept.”

On the physical condition of the squad, he mentioned, “Vivian has not trained for over a week, and we will assess Laporte shortly, hoping for positive news from the doctor. Berenguer is unlikely to participate due to an injection he received yesterday; we are uncertain about Nico, and Sancet is also sidelined due to injury, alongside those with long-term absences. It’s possible that a reserve center-back may play.”

Discussing Nico’s situation, Valverde stated, “He is well and motivated, but injuries can naturally dampen one’s spirit. I frequently engage with him about his issues, his injury, and the team.”

When asked about Padilla’s continuity, he confirmed, “Yes, he will play tomorrow.”

Valverde expressed relief at Yeray’s return to training, saying, “It’s a joy to have him back. He has been training alone and now needs to reintegrate into team dynamics, as he is somewhat out of game shape. However, physically, he is fine, and we missed him.”

On Valencia, Valverde commented, “They lost recently, but they are not in a bad place since they secured six points prior to facing Betis. I see them performing well and improving their play. They have a deep squad, making tactical changes in the Copa, and both teams are now on the brink of a semifinal, making this a crucial match. Mestalla provides a strong atmosphere, and when they connect with their fans, Valencia tends to exceed their limits. I expect a vibrant Mestalla.”

Regarding the need to shift focus from La Liga, he stated, “We have been managing this shift since the season began, as we did last year. The team’s competitive level must remain high, and we must always cope with the anxiety of results. We need to confront and overcome our insecurities. We understand the significance of the Copa, having reached the semifinals in recent years, which gives us hope and motivation. Our rival shares the same mindset; nothing is predetermined, and the outcome remains to be written.”

As for new objectives in La Liga, Valverde remarked, “The transition has been swift. One cannot forget their responsibilities. The league is long, and while it can be perplexing why we lose certain matches, if it happens repeatedly, we must analyze the situation as there is an underlying issue that a team like ours cannot afford. I hold myself accountable as the coach.”

On mental fatigue and pressure, he reflected, “Such feelings are natural. When things are going well, everything seems to fall into place. The other day, we started strongly, although Real Sociedad had a clear opportunity early on, and afterward, we struggled to create danger. Even when they controlled the ball for a few minutes, it should not have unsettled us. We must accept these moments and know how to navigate them. Managing all phases of the game is essential.”

Finally, addressing the warnings of a challenging year, Valverde concluded, “Experience informs what you know or suspect. You can sense potential challenges, but if they occur, it indicates that you may not have anticipated them thoroughly.”