Valverde: Eibar have nothing to lose

Ernesto Valverde doesn’t believe there are any favourites as Athletic Bilbao host neighbours Eibar amid poor form for Los Leones.

Athletic have picked up only three points from the first five games of the new season, a far cry from the form that took the Basques into the Champions League.

While Valverde acknowledged Athletic need to improve, he doesn’t believe his side are approaching breaking point.

“We have lost too many games and there is nothing more objective than the League table,” AS reports Valverde telling a pre-match Press conference.

“We’re not looking too far ahead because we know we need to turn this around. [We’re second bottom because] something isn’t right.

“We have to persevere in the games to try and tip the scales in our direction. It’s a difficult time but in a way that’s good as it gets our attention.

“It’s Round 5 and the sooner we’re back down on Earth the better. I think we’re on a good path and the team works, so we can fix where we’re failing.”

Valverde added that Eibar are a dangerous proposition, particularly considering their desire to bloody the noses of the bigger Basque Country sides, having beaten Real Sociedad in Week 1.

“Eibar are adventurous and play without inhibition. They have nothing to lose and they’re eager to do something important,” he continued.

“Moreover, it’s a derby and there are no favourites. They’re doing very well and it’s a nice surprise.”

Tags Ernesto Valverde
La Liga - Club News