Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde presented a more open draw against Rangers on Thursday evening in the second stage of their quarterfinals of the Europa League. The two games were locked at 0-0 after Rangers had held it for a clean magazine in the first stage, even though they are at Ibrox to ten men after just ten minutes.
Los Leones strive for their very first European semi-final ever, despite their illustrious domestic history with of course the allure of the final in San Mames.
“They played a final (Europa League) against Eintracht, no time ago and only lost to punishment. We have to respect them because of what they did in the first stage, and they also have a history to defend,” he said MD on Wednesday afternoon.
The experienced coach also predicted a different style of play, where the Rangers again emphasize counterattack.
“It is a decisive, unique game. We have already played those games here this year and we would like to play our game based on their game plan.”
“I would like them to say that, because we have done well, we are going to play with ten men. They have a good counterattack and are a top team in their competition, and in Scotland they have to dominate. When you suffer from a broadcast, they will lean back and wait for their chances, and they did it well.
Athletic, however, is undoubtedly the favorites and Valverde acknowledged that the pressure on their home was to do the company.
“What we always try to do when these games come is to use things like Motivation for us, all converting into positive energy. There is of course busy. We don't want all that energy to help us,” he explained.
In the meantime, Star Winger Inaki Williams has not terminated their match against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening.
“He doubts. We will see today, as well as Yuri, how they are. I can only count on those who are 100% suitable for such an important match.”
Williams stumbled over time, but the general feeling in Bilbao is that he will be back in time. There is less certainty about left back Yuri Berchiche, which recovers from a muscle problem that was two weeks ago. If Williams does miss, Alex Berenguer will probably take his place, while Inigo Lekue Adama Boiro beats for the left place in the first stage.
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