“In flower week, now comes war”

During the week there are many flowers, tomorrow (for now) war will come”. Valverde referred in this meaningful way to the rivalry that Athletic and Rayo now hold on the pitch and he and Iraola, one of his outstanding disciples, on the benches.

The ‘rojiblanco’ coach is clear that “it’s not just another rivalry, first because it’s the first time I’ve faced Andoni. I know him well and he knows me well. On top of that, it’s also a showdown with Rayo, who are usually Athletic’s rivals away and at home. There is a special affinity between Rayo and Athletic and their pastimes. Everything makes it a special game in that sense. The way we play and the way they play, it’s going to be a hard game for both of us, but one that you want to watch”.

When asked if he appreciates things about him at Rayo de Iraola, Valverde said “I know some, but it’s also true that he didn’t just coach me. Andoni is a smart person and he will get what he wants the most to each other. El Rayo, Andoni’s team, is a team known for what it does. Brave, he pushes well, he goes up, he squeezes you from the inside, he tries to control the game, takes charge he the long displacement very well, a dynamic team”.

Different styles

Valverde is also clear that tonight’s match “will not be like Mallorca, or Espanyol.” Also not like the one from Valencia, who tried to play the ball from the back. Sometimes Rayo play with more distance and don’t give up on getting the ball and this will also put us under more pressure. Every game has its own mystery, but this one will be a little different than the others.”

The goal has been one of the main headaches for Athletic when they play at San Mamés. His coach is clear that “there is room for improvement in terms of goals and points. We haven’t had the best result yet in San Mamés, we don’t have a scoring streak at home to be proud of, but we hope to improve it. We want to improve our numbers and we are doing it. Tomorrow (for now) is another unique opportunity, difficult, because they are a good team, but we have to keep moving forward”.

Regarding the worse background as locals than as visitors, Valverde indicated that “we played only a few, five, and the sample is not enough to make a conclusion. I see the team playing very similarly at home and away .The circumstances are different, but the order is the same as our strengths and weaknesses, the things we do well and the things we should improve on”.