Ander Herrera is keen to use his importance to Athletic Bilbao to motivate his teammates, who he believes will be motivated for the Copa del Rey.
Herrera and his colleagues are preparing for Thursday night’s trip out to fellow Basque side Eibar, from the Segunda Division B.
The midfielder took the pre-match Press conference and first faced questions on his role within the first XI.
“It is not down to me to assess how the team please without me, but they have played good games without me. Neither can we as individuals win games for the team. The needs me but we all also need the team,” the youngster insisted.
“The fact that someone says I am needed fills me with hope and enthusiasm. If Marcelo [Bielsa] decides to play me on Thursday then I will happily attempt to change the dynamic, something I am convinced can happen.”
The midfielder then reflected on the importance of the Cup to Athletic. The San Mames outfit were defeated 3-0 in last year’s final.
“We have a great opportunity to change the team’s run of form. Thursday is the first chance and we will try to do so.
“The match will not be simple, especially as it is at their ground and we have great respect for our opponent, but we are going to try and win.
“The competition is very attractive to all of us and it can give us a boost. We cannot discredit the Cup, it can be a turning point for us.
“We have no excuse either, we have to be better than our opponent, regardless of the conditions. For Athletic, Thursday should be a starting point for changing our run.
“There is nothing nicer than a competition in which Madrid and Barcelona could be removed. The table is not looking good, but we are full of motivation and desire for the Cup.”
