El Athletic returns to San Mamés comforted after the cup triumph in Mestalla, but forced by his delicate situation in the League. The lions are out of the relegation places, although they have not won in the tournament since December and are forced to make a leap to right a poor streak of 16 points over the last 59 in play. “We have the help of the public, but we have to win over the public,” reflected Valverde.
The reaction in the League: “The Levante game is a very important game for us, and also for them. We’re already starting to talk about finals even though there’s quite a bit left.. We need victory and we will do everything to achieve it. Every month is key and in this month we have a type of rivals, but I don’t look beyond this gamewhich is what matters to us and what we have our focus on.”
4 games in San Mamés out of 5: “I don’t keep that count either. They are home games, but they don’t guarantee anything either. We have the help of the public, but we have to win over the public. The Levante has been revitalized in recent weeks with a great defensive spirit and we have to try to beat them just as they are going to want to do it. The important thing is its resolution.”
The type of rival you prefer: “The question of potentiality is a question that is still an assumption and it is a misleading assumption, very common in the world of football. Here Realities rule and except for two teams, the rest of us are all the same. That is the reality and everything depends on two or three results. The The distance with Levante is not that much either and we cannot talk about the potential of one or the other.. We come from winning in Valencia, we have lost with Seville… we are all in the same package and that is where we have to respond”
Monreal’s response: “The other day he was very well in his debut with the first team. He has always been close to making his debut, but the team’s situation has meant that it took longer.. We are in a delicate moment with our centre-backs and they have responded. This is not a question of a match, it is a question of a career and we want him to have a long career in Athletic. The Players have to look for consistency, which is the most difficult”.
The moment of Levante: “They are revitalized. They won in Seville, they tied with Atlético, they came back from Elche, they made it very difficult for Real Madrid. It is a team that defends together and has a good foot to go forwardwith fast players and good throwers. He is a difficult rival to pass. Tea They squeeze and are very supportive. “It is an uncomfortable and very difficult game.”
The plan with Yeray: “It’s been going well. He’s had a special plan since the start of the season and now is adapting to the team’s training dynamicsthat with such an intense calendar it is difficult to do loading sessions. That is what we are compensating with him.”
Nico’s situation: “This well and each time we hope it is a little better. For us he is a player who means a lot. We have been like this all year and we hope that with that drive and need that we have, he will be there to help us.”
Iñaki Williams’ goal: “This is what we hope for. that everything we do facing the game becomes the last stretch. In football that is the key. Sometimes you don’t have a game, because the opponent is better, but everything will be resolved in the area, in the opponent’s area and in your own. And there you have to show yourself strong. The fact that he scored is a boost for everyone
Jauregizar’s physical condition: “He has a heavy load of games. Against Sporting de Portugal he had a break due to suspension. He is doing a extraordinary season and he has to continue playing, it’s the truth. There’s not much more story”.
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