Athletic Club will face Barcelona away in La Liga this round. In Friday’s press conference, coach Valverde talked about the upcoming game and the transfer rumors surrounding forward Nico Williams.
Speaking about Barcelona’s changes, Valverde said: “We haven’t seen too many changes so far. Although the coach wants to instill his own philosophy, there have been no significant changes yet. There are some young players in midfield, and as the games go on, we will see more ideas from the coach. High pressing, maintaining a high defensive line, possession, these are things they will continue to maintain, and the player level will be the same. They are a great team.”
Speaking about the atmosphere at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Valverde said: “It’s not the hottest stadium in the world, mainly because the fans are quite far away from the pitch and it’s summer now. There will be many tourists. The fans will cheer for their team, they are looking forward to seeing their team play. It will be a very tough game, against a title contender. I don’t expect any special atmosphere.”
Speaking about Nico’s situation, Valverde pointed out: “I see him in good shape, training very well. In that sense, I don’t see any problems. There is some noise, but it’s just noise. We have to separate the important things from the secondary ones. These rumors are all over the talk shows and newspapers, but that’s all. It’s part of the football world, nothing new. We talked to Nico, he’s happy, he got the number 10 jersey… and then we start playing. I have no doubts in this regard.”
“Players have to follow their own path, we have to give them some space, let them keep progressing. Players who enter the first team have to adapt to the games, adapt to the team, adapt to everything… You look at Gavi, he looks 6 years older than he actually is. Nico and other young players, like Unai and Jaregi, are improving with every training session. Nico has already experienced some tests and responded. I don’t know where Nico’s ceiling is, we hope it’s higher. But I expect the same from players like Adam and Jaregi.”
Speaking about the registration issues of Barcelona players, Valverde said: “That’s not something I worry about, I only know that our own players have no problems.”
Speaking about Athletic Club’s lack of away wins against Barcelona since 2001, Valverde said: “There is no anxiety, but always a desire. I have a feeling that we’re not the only team that hasn’t won there for a long time. Every day is a chance to try, and of course, a chance to achieve. We have a desire to win, but no anxiety.”
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