Valverde: San Mames return is emotional

Barcelona Coach Ernesto Valverde has admitted his first return to Athletic Bilbao since leaving the club ‘will be emotional’ for him.

The Blaugrana travel to the San Mames on Saturday night for the 53-year-old’s first return to the stadium since ending his second managerial stint at the club – which lasted four years – this summer.

“It will be an emotional game for me,” Valverde said this week, as reported by ESPN.

“It always has been when I have been back there with other teams, too. I won't talk about statistics, though, because it's not gone well!

“Athletic are extraordinarily strong at home, so apart from the fact I'm going home and all those emotions, they will make it difficult for us.”

Jordi Alba has returned to training following an injury layoff while several first-team players who were given time off for the Copa Del Rey clash with Real Murcia have also returned.

Tags Ernesto Valverde
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