Athletic coach on BVB: “One of the toughest tasks in Europe.” | OneFootball

“I know what it means to play here. It’s not easy in this stadium. We’re facing one of the toughest tasks in Europe,” warned the coach shortly after his arrival in Dortmund. Nevertheless, the 61-year-old hopes that his recently struggling team will find their old form back on the big stage: “It’s a great opportunity for all of us. We have to try to enjoy it. A great game, a great opponent. That’s motivation enough for the team and the fans.”

Valverde knows the electric atmosphere at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK from his own experience. In 2019/20, the Barcelona team he coached laboured to a 0-0 draw in their first Champions League group match of the 2019/20 season. Numerous saves from German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen were required to avert defeat.

Much to the football coach’s chagrin, his team’s form is currently on a downward trend. Their last victory came at the end of August against Real Betis. In the last four league games, Valverde has had to settle for just one point. “We’re not in a good phase. We won all our games in August, but none in September,” said Valverde.

“Dortmund are one of the top teams in Europe”

The final rehearsal for the match in Dortmund also ended in defeat, with a 1-0 loss to Villarreal on Saturday. The disappointing start to the Champions League two weeks ago, with a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal, adds to the sense of disillusionment. “Maybe we’ll have more luck in Dortmund than we did against Arsenal,” said Valverde. He sees Dortmund on a positive course, however: “They are in good form. Adeyemi is in good shape and Julian Brandt is a great player.”

Like the coach, Athletic player Unai Simón is also hoping for a turnaround. “We know where we stand and what the reality is. We’ve had to accept a lot of defeats in recent weeks. But we have an important day ahead of us in Dortmund. If possible, we have to give 200%. Dortmund are one of the top teams in Europe,” said the goalkeeper. “We should forget what has happened in the recent past and look ahead.”

One of the reasons for the recent lack of points is the absence of EURO winner Nico Williams. The 23-year-old has been missing from his team for weeks due to a groin injury he sustained during the Spain national team's 6-0 triumph in Turkey. All hopes for a timely recovery proved to be wishful thinking. “He is 100% out,” said Valverde in response to the many questions about his superstar. Nico Serrano or Roberto Navarro are considered possible alternatives.

The tenth-placed team from Spain are facing Borussia for the first time. Alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid, they are the only club that have been in the top flight without interruption since the Primera División was founded in 1928. When it comes to squad selection, last season’s Europa League semi-finalists traditionally rely on players from the Basque provinces or players who received their footballing education at Basque clubs.

After 2014/15 and 1998/99, Athletic are participating in Europe’s premier club competition for the third time. With only three wins in their 13 Champions League games to date, their overall record is modest. Nevertheless, BVB should be cautious; they have not lost any of their last six European matches against German clubs. Most recently, they defeated Hertha BSC 3-2 in the group stage of the 2017/18 UEFA Europa League.