Ernesto Valverde isn’t expecting an easy game when Torino visit Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League second leg.
The first meeting, in Turin, ended in a 2-2 draw which gives the Basques the advantage, but the Coach told his pre-match Press conference it won’t be a walkover and nor will the team’s approach change.
“I don’t think so. A goal can be scored that changes the tie. Especially early on, everyone is going to be true to their style. There’s not a big difference, just a score draw,” he warned, AS reports.
“Beating Rayo Vallecano has given us some reassurance. It was a very important game. It’s nice to have positive momentum, as do Torino, who drew with Fiorentina.
“They’ve got their system well-studied and they wait to counter-attack. They get people behind the ball and in attack and create uncertainty. They have a lot of patience in their game and play with great conviction. They’re not a team that will give up easily.
“It’s possible we play with three at the back. Keep in mind that we’re at home, with our own fans.
“We have the advantage of San Mames and if we give everything, the people will respond much earlier.
“The rain must be taken into account and work will be done tomorrow. We have good drainage but I don’t know how much there will be.
“The second half plays, the duels, will be greatly enhanced. They have a very tall, strong team, for set pieces, like us. It will be difficult.”
Valverde added that Athletic are in one of the most important phases of the season, with important fixtures in the Europa League, the League, and the Copa del Rey.
“The next six days are some of the most crucial moments of the year,” he acknowledged.
“We play to qualify against Torino, then against an opponent we’re level with in the League [Eibar], and then on Wednesday is a Cup semi-final.
“Our intention is to maintain our positive form. The games are close together but when you win you’re less fatigued.”
