Athletic Bilbao midfielder Benat Etxebarria says there is more confidence around San Mames after the team’s four-game unbeaten run in La Liga.
The Basques endured a torrid start to the domestic season and were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage last week after a 2-0 home defeat to Porto.
Even so, Benat believes Ernesto Valverde’s men are now back on track and is looking forward to the rest of the season.
“I think the team has regained confidence and there has been a solidity in defence that had been lacking in earlier games,” he told a Press conference.
“We know that we are going to create chances but it’s a question of whether we take them or not, but it’s essential we are tight at the back.
“The midfield must also do more, particularly since we are playing with one up front, but that will come with time.”
Los Leones currently sit 11th with 12 points but Benat insists there is no point looking at where they are in the table.
“We have just taken eight points from 12 but the important thing is to feel good, not look either up or down, but take each game as it comes.
“The team is confident and motivated. We know we can beat anyone and must continue this way to get back to last year’s level, when we were able to win our games at home.”
Benat also referred to the Champions League elimination.
“It was very difficult because we were up against some of the best teams in Europe, but that’s who we want to be playing against.
“Hopefully we can now finish third in the group for a Europa League spot, although beyond that our mentality must always be La Liga, which is the main thing,” he concluded.
