Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad preview - Valverde: We remain focused

Posted Saturday, May 10, 2014 by PA

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde has stressed his team will take the Basque derby with Real Sociedad seriously, even though they have already qualified for the Champions League.

The 3-0 win at Rayo Vallecano last week ensured Athletic will be competing in Europe's elite competition for the first time since 1998, with Sunday's final home game of the season giving them the chance to celebrate with their fans at the San Mames Barria stadium.

But in his pre-match press conference, Valverde warned: "These celebrations can be dangerous, it's as if we have done everything there is to do, but the best way to round off the season is to win.

"We have to play with the right amount of trepidation, which has driven us towards getting so many points. The fact we're playing a derby means we'll be more motivated. We want to make history and achieve something more.

"The game comes at a good time for us, because when you achieve your objectives you want to play with intensity, even if you have nothing to play for."

However, Valverde admitted that his top scorer Aritz Aduriz would be rested for the game, in preparation for an operation he is set to undergo on his pelvis.

The absence of Aduriz could see Gaizka Toquero start up front, with Kike Sola and Ibai Gomez still out injured.

La Real will be without inured full-back Jose Angel, while centre-back Mikel Gonzalez is suspended after getting sent off in the 1-1 draw with Granada.

Jagoba Arrasate's side have also wrapped up their place in Europe next season, but are still hoping to unseat Sevilla in fifth place so they do not have to negotiate the Europa League play-offs at the start of next season.

La Real beat Athletic 2-0 in the derby at Anoeta in January, but midfielder Ander Iturraspe dismissed talk of his team being out for revenge.

"We have already qualified for the Champions League, that is revenge enough," he told reporters.

"We always want to win every game and every derby and we're going to do as much as we can to make that possible."