The Athletic Club doesn’t have much time to rest after their demanding match against Roma, as they host Mallorca at San Mamés on Sunday, looking to get back to winning ways in the league. Despite two consecutive defeats against Atlético and Roma, the team’s overall performance this season remains impressive, and Ernesto Valverde’s side is confident they can return to their winning form.
In a pre-match press conference, Valverde shared his thoughts on the upcoming game, the team’s physical condition, and the importance of a positive atmosphere at San Mamés, not just for the Mallorca match but also in their recent encounter against Roma. When asked about the team’s current state, Valverde emphasized, “Thursday’s game was highly competitive, and the outcome was what it was, but we have the return leg to look forward to. However, before that, we have tomorrow’s match, where we’re playing to maintain our position. Mallorca has been focused on this game all week, and we need to focus on the time we have available.”
Regarding player injuries and absences, Valverde provided an update: “Prados is doing well. Vivian is the one with an injury and won’t be able to play tomorrow, just like Galarreta, who is suspended. The rest of the team, if nothing unexpected happens today, should be available. Álvaro (Djaló) is still out, but we were already aware of that.” When inquired about the possibility of Vivian’s recovery for the upcoming Thursday match, Valverde replied, “I don’t think so, not in principle.”
Valverde also discussed the potential of using Beñat Prados as a central defender, saying, “It’s a possibility. The other day, in the last minutes, it could have been him or another player, but we have options like Núñez, who has done well when he’s played, and Paredes. First, we’ll see what happens tomorrow and then think about the rest.” The coach remains cautious about the availability of Sancet, stating, “We’ll see. It depends on how he feels in today’s training and the needs of the team.”
Looking ahead to the match against Mallorca, Valverde noted, “They’re a team fighting for Europe and are in good dynamics. They’ve been focused on this game all week, while we’re coming from the Roma match and need to refocus quickly. It’ll be complicated; we’ve struggled against them, with our last encounters being very evenly matched and with few goals.”
On the subject of fan support, Valverde expressed his thoughts: “I don’t like coming here to ask for support. If the fans want to participate, they should. We try to connect with the fans through our game. On Thursday, we experienced a great atmosphere in Roma, and we enjoy playing with that kind of atmosphere.” When questioned about rotations with Europe in mind, Valverde clarified, “No, if someone plays, it’s because they have enough energy to compete at their maximum level. More than thinking about the next match, we need to look at how the players finished the previous game.”
Valverde also shared his observations on Nico Williams’ evolution, saying, “I see him the same as always. He comes from scoring two great goals 10 days ago. It’s normal for opponents to pay more attention to him now, giving him extra coverage. When you become an important player, you’re studied more, but it’s a challenge for him. He remains fundamental to us.”
The manager reflected on managing the end of matches, noting, “When they score a goal, the analysis always depends on the result. If we had scored in the last minute, the question would be different. It’s true there are aspects to improve, but we faced a team like Roma, with great players and a complicated atmosphere.”
Finally, Valverde touched upon the impact of Ramadan on the team, stating, “We have it under control with our nutritionist and the players. In night games, there’s no problem, but in other schedules, it can be more complicated. However, we manage it well.” As for Unai Núñez’s condition, Valverde observed, “I see him very well to play at any moment. When he has played, he’s done well. He trains well and is ready to play tomorrow if necessary.”