Athletic Club Prepares for Key Match Against Real Oviedo

The upcoming match against Real Oviedo is pivotal for Athletic Club as they aim to enter the international break with a renewed outlook. Following two consecutive defeats in LaLiga, the team is determined to secure three points at home against their Oviedo counterparts. Ahead of the match, head coach Ernesto Valverde addressed the media to discuss the current situation of the team.

Real Oviedo is known for their aggressive style, striving to control the game and display personality on the pitch. Valverde acknowledged the threat posed by their forwards, urging his players to remain vigilant. “Regardless of who visits San Mamés, our priority is to ensure we perform well and secure victory,” he stated.

Regarding player availability, Valverde mentioned that they will assess some players’ conditions before finalizing the squad. Notably, Nico is among those being evaluated. Hierro and Selton have stayed behind, opting not to join the B team in order to be available for the first team.

Valverde recognized the team’s current struggles, admitting, “We have not been achieving favorable results in LaLiga. Losing our last two matches has heightened our urgency to earn points. Winning can create a positive momentum, and we are focused on changing our current trajectory. Tomorrow presents an opportunity, and we are determined to break this negative streak.”

He continued, “When coming off important matches, the need for a win intensifies. We face a 15-day break afterward, but our primary focus is to halt this decline. We are a team that strives to compete fiercely, and we expect Real Oviedo to come with the same intention of claiming three points.”

When asked about concerns regarding gameplay versus results, Valverde emphasized that results are often a reflection of performance. “We are executing many aspects well, and I do not believe we are losing our identity on the field. Our goal is to create dangerous opportunities and convert them. If we have three chances, we need to score on all of them.”

Maintaining their style of play is a priority for the team. “We always aim to dominate matches and prevail in gameplay, as demonstrated in our outings at Anoeta and Newcastle. We are a team that defends proactively, and this is something we need to uphold. In previous years, we may not have faced significant absences in key positions, especially in attack. However, with our current squad, we are capable of pushing forward and achieving positive results.”

Valverde concluded by emphasizing the importance of prioritizing domestic competitions. “The momentum gained in one tournament can benefit performance in another. We strive for a balance in results because it ultimately aids our overall standing. The consistency and rhythm of LaLiga reveal our true position. Other competitions often hinge on singular moments, such as a red card, which can lead to elimination. Last year, our success in the Europa League positively impacted our LaLiga performance, but this year, we are not experiencing the same synergy. Our goal is to remain competitive for a European spot and ensure that our performances in various competitions support one another.”