Athletic Bilbao Coach Ernesto Valverde believes Real Betis can avoid relegation this season.
The sides meet on Sunday and Valverde told his pre-match Press conference that the hosts have a team that should be much higher up the table. Betis are bottom of La Liga.
“History is peppered with teams who looked set for relegation but were eventually saved,” Valverde said.
“We respect Betis because [on Thursday] they played in the Europa League, a competition we would like to be in.
“They have a team to be much higher in the table.”
Athletic are seeking a Champions League place for next season and are currently fourth in La Liga, four points better off than Villarreal and Real Sociedad.
“We have to go and win every game,” Valverde continued.
“We must be prepared. I think against Espanyol we played a similar game to many others, despite the bad result.
“Sunday’s game will be dramatic and stressful. We have the burden of having to win, but that can come in handy.
“I don’t rule out anyone in the fight for fourth place. It will be very difficult but we want to hold on to the position.”
Valverde also revealed that Ibai Gomez is looking at a month out injured with a torn muscle and Iker Muniain would replace him.
Aymeric Laporte is however back in training and Benat Exteberria is due to return to training next week.
