Athletic Club Aims for Redemption Against Real Oviedo

The upcoming match against Real Oviedo is critical for Athletic Club as they look to approach the international break with renewed optimism. Following two consecutive defeats in LaLiga, the rojiblancos aim to secure three points on home turf against their Oviedo rivals. In the lead-up to the match, coach Ernesto Valverde addressed the media to discuss the current situation of the team.

“Real Oviedo is a team that tries to take control of the game, demonstrating personality and a forward momentum. We must be cautious of their attacking players and remain vigilant. Regardless of who visits San Mamés, our priority is to focus on securing the win.”

Regarding the team lineup, Valverde stated, “We will assess some players tomorrow, including Nico, who is one of the cases we need to evaluate. Hierro and Selton have remained here and did not travel with the B team to be available for us.”

Valverde acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, “It is true that we are not achieving favorable results in the league. Having lost the last two matches, we are in urgent need of points. Winning can turn the tide, and it is vital for us to alter this negative trend. Tomorrow presents an opportunity, and we are keen to avoid prolonging this disappointing streak.”

He emphasized the necessity of winning, mentioning, “When coming off important matches, there is always an increased urgency for the next one. With a 15-day break following this match, our focus is on stopping this downward spiral. We are a team that always strives to compete, and Real Oviedo will come looking to secure their own three points.”

Addressing concerns about the team’s performance, Valverde remarked, “The outcomes are a reflection of our gameplay. I believe we are executing many aspects well and are not deviating from our style. We need to create scoring opportunities and capitalize on them; if we have three chances, we must convert all three.”

He reaffirmed the team’s commitment to maintaining their style, stating, “Our intent is always to dominate matches and prevail in our gameplay. We strive to do this both at Anoeta and Newcastle. We are a team that defends proactively, and this is something we must uphold. In past seasons, we may not have faced significant absences in key areas, particularly in the forward line. With our current squad, we are capable of moving forward and achieving positive results.”

Valverde also discussed the importance of prioritizing domestic competition: “The momentum gained in one competition can benefit another. We aim to find a balance in our results, as this ultimately aids our overall performance. The consistency and regularity of LaLiga provide a clear picture of our standing. Other competitions can hinge on moments of brilliance or misfortune, leading to elimination. Last year, our Europa League journey positively influenced our LaLiga results, but this season has not mirrored that success. Our goal is to compete for European qualification while ensuring that our various competitions support one another.”