Valverde’s Thoughts on Athletic’s Cup-Winning Path
Athletic’s journey to cup victory in 2025 begins in Ogroño, where they will face UD Logroñés on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Valverde emphasized the importance of reconnecting with the competition, stating that the team wants to go further and will field a recognizable lineup with the intention of winning.
Dani Olmo’s Situation and Transfer Rumors
When asked about Dani Olmo’s situation, Valverde expressed his lack of knowledge on the matter, deferring to those responsible for evaluating such issues. As a former Barça player and coach, he preferred not to comment further, hoping for a resolution.
Pressure from Athletic for Non-Registration
Valverde dismissed rumors about Athletic’s potential pressure for non-registration, stating that he is focused on the upcoming game and not concerned with other teams’ registration issues. Each club, he emphasized, must solve its own problems.
Physical State of the Squad
Valverde reported that Sancet will be unavailable for the match due to an ankle problem, joining Yeray and Galarreta on the sidelines. The team hopes to have them back next week.
The First Cup Match
Valverde acknowledged the challenges of the first Cup match, citing the equalizing factors of the playing field, atmosphere, and opponent motivation. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the game and preparing well, as Logroñés has already eliminated a Champions team like Girona.
Christmas Break and Winter Market
Valverde expressed his satisfaction with the Christmas break, hoping it has had a positive impact on the players. He also mentioned that, in principle, Padilla will be the only player leaving the team in the winter market, as he is happy with the current squad.
UD Logroñés Scouting
Valverde analyzed UD Logroñés, describing them as a team designed for promotion with a strong lineup. He noted that they have not lost at home yet and score few goals, but can perform well if allowed to play. Valverde emphasized the need for a strong performance, as any situation can lead to elimination from the competition.