Athletic Club Seeks Redemption Against Real Oviedo Ahead of International Break

The upcoming match against Real Oviedo is pivotal for Athletic Club as they aim to enter the international break with renewed vigor. Following two consecutive defeats in LaLiga, the rojiblancos are determined to secure three points at home against the Oviedo side. In a press conference before the match, Athletic’s coach, Ernesto Valverde, addressed the current situation of the team.

Real Oviedo is a team that strives to control the game, demonstrating personality and an attacking mindset. We must remain vigilant against their forwards and ensure we are on our toes. Regardless of who visits San Mamés, our priority is to claim victory.

In terms of lineup decisions, we will evaluate the situation tomorrow, particularly with players like Nico, whose condition is being assessed. Hierro and Selton have remained here instead of joining the B team to be available for us.

It is true that we have not achieved favorable results recently in the league. After losing the last two matches, we find ourselves in urgent need of points. Winning can often create a positive momentum, and our focus now is on changing this trend. Tomorrow presents an opportunity, and we are eager to halt this negative streak that has been affecting us.

There is an inherent urgency when coming off matches we deem significant, and while we face a 15-day break afterward, our main concern is to stop this downturn. We are a team that consistently strives to compete, and Oviedo will arrive with the intention of taking all three points.

Are we more concerned about our performance or the results? Results are indeed a reflection of our play. I believe we have been executing numerous aspects well, and I do not think we have strayed too far from our identity in recent matches. We need to focus on creating opportunities and converting them; if we get three chances, we must capitalize on all three.

Maintaining our style is crucial as we aim to dominate matches and assert our game plan. We have endeavored to do so in both Anoeta and Newcastle. We are a team that defends high up the pitch, and this is a principle we must uphold. In previous seasons, we may not have faced absences in critical areas, particularly in attack. However, with our current squad, we are capable of pushing forward and achieving positive results.

It is essential to prioritize our domestic league. The momentum gained from one competition can translate into success in another. We seek to find a balance in our results that benefits us overall. The consistency and routine that LaLiga provides clearly indicate our standing. Other competitions can hinge on a single moment, such as a red card leading to elimination. Last year, our performance in the Europa League bolstered our LaLiga efforts, but this season has not mirrored that success. Our goal is to ensure we are competitive for European spots and leverage those competitions to support our performance in others.