Leganés - Athletic: The Desire for a Small Leap Ahead

Leganés - Athletic: The Quest for Victory

No better medicine exists for anxiety than the cure of victory. After securing three points against UD Las Palmas, Athletic's spirits rise as they visit Leganés, a notoriously tough opponent at Butarque, where they have only won once in four encounters. Coach Ernesto Valverde noted the challenge of facing the Madrid team but is optimistic as his squad is focused on maintaining winning momentum.

Valverde's Strategy Against Leganés

‘We want to take a small leap forward,’ Valverde stated in Lezama after the final training session before the seventh matchday. He maintained that the team's mental and physical states are strong, with the only casualties being injured players Unai Simón and Yeray Álvarez, along with the suspended Juaregizar. ‘Everyone else is training without issues,’ he affirmed, hinting at potential lineup changes due to the heavy match schedule of six games in just 17 days.

The Rivalry with Leganés

• Leganés is coming off two straight defeats against Mallorca and Betis.
• Athletic currently holds seven points compared to Leganés' five.
• Both teams understand the necessity of claiming three points to relieve mounting pressure.

Valverde acknowledged that this matchup will differ from their previous games against more open teams, as he expects a defensively solid performance from Leganés. He also mentioned that, despite slight differences in points, the teams are closely matched and poised for a competitive game.

Key Players and Game Dynamics

The coach highlighted the adaptability of the squad, pointing out their need to be 'solid and organized' against Leganés, which is still finding its footing in the league. Valverde is particularly keen on the contributions of Oihan Sancet, stressing that he has the potential to elevate the team’s dynamics considerably. As both teams face pressure to secure points, the match promises to be an intriguing contest.