Ernesto Valverde believes Malaga will have ‘noticed’ Athletic Bilbao following their 4-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga on Saturday.
Los Leones closed the gap on the Andalucians in seventh place, potentially a Europa League qualifying spot, to just three points courtesy of their emphatic win at San Mames, and the Coach is hopeful that his side can push their League rivals all the way.
“Three points is a distance that psychologically is just one game,” he said after the match.
“They will have noticed our pressure and we want them to take note.
“We’ll fight until the end and try to grab seventh place, which would allow us to play in Europe [given that they will play Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final].
“Athletic entered the match very well, and it was one of our priorities after recent games.
“We did well in the first half. We opened the match up once we took the lead and we didn’t show any intention of slowing down in the second half.
“Going 2-0 up allowed us to play with more confidence and composure. It’s a night we all enjoyed.
“[Andoni Iraola’s] one of the best players to have in attacking transitions, not only in the team but throughout the League.
“When we’re dominating, his influence is decisive, and when he goes forward, the midfield know they’ll will get an inside pass, like in the build-up to our second goal, or a cross. He had a great game.”
