Ernesto Valverde wants his Athletic Bilbao side to take full advantage of their home game with Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.
Los Leones take on the Ukrainians in the opening fixture of their Champions League group campaign and boss Valverde says his team needs to get off to a flying start.
“We are beginning at home so we have to use that to our advantage,” the experienced 50-year-old told a Press conference.
“Our intention is to win, and that would be good for us, but nobody hands you victory and Shakhtar have the potential to win also, which is what they will come here to do.
“It’s a short competition so it’s key to start by getting three points. It’s not essential but a good start is very important. Whoever does that can gain an advantage,” he explained.
Regarding Shakhtar, Valverde believes it is a team that has not altered too much over the past 12 months.
“They’ve not changed much over the past year. If you look at the game they played at Anoeta last season against Real Sociedad, also in the Champions League, you can see it is a very similar team.
“They are a very dangerous opponents from the midfield to the forwards, where they like to take the initiative, and always go for the win, which is always a positive sign.
“Although they are good on the counter-attack they close up well at the back and it won’t be easy to break down their defence,” he concluded.
