Athletic Club “urgently need the win” against Levante, admits Valverde | OneFootball

Ernesto Valverde accepted that Athletic Club’s meeting with Levante on Sunday is set to be a crucial game for both sides, who find themselves in precarious positions with 22 games played.

The Zurigorri, who finished fourth in LaLiga last season, haven’t hit their usual heights during the first half of the league campaign. They sit 17 points adrift of the top four, and with just 3 points separating them from the drop zone, they face the very real threat of being dragged into the relegation battle.

In his pre-match press conference, Valverde stressed that “everything depends on one or two results.”

Levante are already well and truly in that relegation fight, but could move one step closer to survival with victory at the San Mamés – and the 61-year-old warned that they are “coming back to life” after positive results since the turn of the year.

He explained: “They won against Sevilla, drew with Atlético Madrid, came back from behind against Elche, and made it very difficult for Real Madrid.

“They’re a team that defends together and gets well forward, with rapid players and good passers. They’re a difficult opponent to beat. They’re very cohesive and press you well; it’s a very difficult, very uncomfortable match.”

The pressure could really mount on Valverde if Athletic Club do not emerge victorious on Sunday. The Zurigorri‘s last LaLiga win came against Atlético Madrid on 6 December, making for six league games without a win. It has been more than four years since the Basque side last went on a seven-game winless run.

“The match against Levante is extremely important for us, and for them as well,” Valverde accepted.

“We urgently need the win and will give everything to achieve it. Every month is crucial, and this month we have a certain type of opponent, but I’m not looking beyond this match — it’s the one that matters and where our focus is.”

Athletic Club v Levante kicks off at San Mamés at 15:15 GMT on Sunday 8 February.