Carlos Pena warns his Real Valladolid teammates to take Athletic Bilbao seriously this weekend, even if the visitors should still target at least a draw.
The newly-promoted outfit are currently joint top of the Primera Division after two rounds of action, whilst weekend opponents Athletic are rooted to the foot of the table.
However, where Valladolid have maximum points to the Basques’ zero, defender Pena has reflected that they remain strong.
“They put in a lot of movement and intensity. We must be very strong from the beginning of the game, knowing that it is a difficult field to play on, but that we have a chance to get something,” he reflected to today’s conference.
“They possess great mobility in their midfield, they are very vertical, very mobile and with plenty of energy. We will have to also be careful with set-pieces.
“Athletic, despite their problems, are still the team that were Europa League and Copa del Rey finalists. They have great players and are more dangerous if anything at San Mames.”
Even so, the 29-year-old has reflected that confidence remains high within the Valladolid ranks.
“They should be respected and we should be humble, but we are going there to attack them.
“We know the way we play, we have good players, we are a good team and we will not fear anyone. We are prepared for tomorrow’s game.
“We want to go to Bilbao to play our game and to get something positive out of the result.”
