Athletic Bilbao v Sporting preview: Fresneda backs Gyökeres | OneFootball

Sporting is in Spain competing for the possibility of securing direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16, without resorting to the playoffs - a scenario that, even with a victory against Athletic Bilbao, also depends on other results. This context was highlighted in the Spanish press. This Wednesday, the newspaper AS dedicated space, both in the print edition and on the online portal, to Iván Fresneda, a Spanish U-21 international who is in his third season with the Lions.

In an extensive interview, the right-back discussed the competitive stance of the Lions' team in international competitions, talked about the atmosphere at San Mamés, and expressed ambition in the fight for the championship. Rui Borges, Luis Suárez, and Viktor Gyökeres were also topics mentioned by the young player.

PSG and Athletic:

"We were aware of the current potential of the Champions [PSG], but we had to use our weapons... That game showed that we are very complete. We can have possession and feel comfortable with the ball, but also change that approach - as was the case - and be more defensive. Now we arrive at San Mamés... We can enter the top spots, but that depends on others. We have to win and wait. Athletic is dropping in the league, but I know perfectly well what a great team they are. Even if it seems they are not doing well, they are very strong. With Valladolid, I could never beat them, and I admit, it's a thorn in my side..."

Chasing the championship:

"If a team wants to be champion in Portugal, it has to lose the least amount of points. We have to be even better in the second half. The first wasn't bad, but we need more. We have to keep that in mind to achieve the goal, which is to win the championship. We go game by game. We are also in the Cup, another trophy we want to win, just like last season."

And Benfica is coming up... What is a Lisbon derby like?

"Incredible. The competitiveness of the teams at the top of the league is enormous, and a derby is something that stirs up a lot around it. It is lived with great intensity and is a legendary rivalry. It's spectacular what you experience, both at home and away. Our fans follow us everywhere. Many times we play away, and they make us feel like it's Alvalade. My friends and family went crazy [when they watched a derby for the first time]. Perhaps in Spain, they don't quite grasp the magnitude of this derby."

A year with Rui Borges:

"He arrived and spoke with me at a time when there was talk that I might be leaving. I am eternally grateful to him. We were coming from negative results, and he showed a lot of confidence; he bet on me, and I responded on the field. He taught me a lot, as did his technical team."

Super Suárez?

"He gives us a lot and arrives in shape... Before you ask, he and Gyökeres are different players. They play in the same position but have different characteristics. But Luis, just like Gyökeres did, is doing a great job for Sporting. He is super important."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.