Ernesto Valverde wants Athletic Bilbao to use the Supercopa de Espana win over Barcelona as a benchmark but warns against complacency in the Europa League.
The Basques, only days after seeing off La Blaugrana with a 5-1 aggregate Supercopa win, are in Slovakia to play Zilina in the Europa League play-off.
“We are emotionally recovered [from the Supercopa celebrations] and in high spirts. Provided we manage it, [that attitude] should serve us well,” Valverde said, Marca reports.
“The games against Barcelona can be an example that anything is possible. A bad game can see us out of the competition and we can’t afford that.
“We agree we have very positive arguments and energy for staying in the competition. After winning a trophy and the celebrations we have to be down to earth if we want to touch the sky.”
