Athletic Club is set for another European showdown at San Mamés, following their victory against AZ Alkmaar. This time, they face Slavia Praha, a team that shares the same points tally as Athletic after a win against Ludogorets and a draw with Ajax. Athletic’s coach, Ernesto Valverde, is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead, having encountered Slavia before during his time with Barcelona in the Champions League.
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“Slavia is a team that is used to dominating possession and has great physical presence,” said Valverde. “They play at a very high ritmo (pace), and their players are quick and supportive of one another. I foresee a match of high intensity, with both sides looking to impose themselves.”
Athletic Club’s Ambitions for Europa League Success
The aspirations at Athletic Club are clear: reach as far as possible in the tournament. As Valverde noted, knockout competitions provide chances, but a single bad performance or a stroke of brilliance from the opponent can change everything. “Last year, we won the Copa del Rey, but I still remember our match against Barcelona, where an action by Lamine Yamal could have changed the game entirely. Specific moments can go either way, but obviously, you have to play well.”
Valverde is cautious, though. He acknowledges that while UEFA studies show that certain points tallies might secure qualification, it’s impossible to know for sure until there’s more data from multiple seasons.
“It’s the first time we’re playing under this new format, and we’re still uncertain about what will be required for progression. We’ll have to adapt to the calendario (schedule), which is demanding but exactly what we wanted,” added Valverde.
Slavia Praha: A Team Built for European Competitions
Valverde is not underestimating Slavia Praha, a team accustomed to leading their domestic Liga and participating in European competitions more frequently than Athletic. “Slavia is a team used to carrying the weight of the game. They switch between a back three and a back four depending on the situation, which makes them very versatile,” he explained.
Slavia Praha is not just a tactically flexible team; they are physically imposing as well. “They have several players who are over 1.90 meters tall, and their main striker is nearly two meters,” Valverde emphasized. This physicality, combined with their high-pressing and attacking approach, makes them a formidable opponent.
“They attack with many players, they press intensely, and they come at you with everything they’ve got,” Valverde said, emphasizing the high stakes of this Europa League fixture.
The Importance of Transitions in the Game
Valverde expects transiciones rápidas (quick transitions) to be a critical aspect of the match. Athletic and Slavia are both teams that rely on speed to catch their opponents off guard. “Fast players create instability. Given how they play, I expect a game full of rapid transitions. Their left wing-back plays almost like a winger,” said Valverde, explaining how both teams will look to exploit these moments.
The match will be a test of both teams’ ability to capitalize on these transitional phases. For Athletic, players like Berenguer, who recently renewed his contract, will play a crucial role. “For us, Berenguer is a safe bet. His renewal was essential because he provides us with many alternatives. He can play in various positions and always brings something new when he comes on as a substitute. He gives us options to play in four different positions,” praised Valverde.
Adapting to the Europa League Schedule
Valverde also touched on the challenges posed by the tight Europa League calendar. “There’s a big difference between playing every three days and playing with a five-day gap. It gives the players a bit of breathing room,” he said, adding that the quick turnaround between a Thursday night game and a Sunday afternoon match poses particular problems. “Now we have a bit of leeway, but later on, there will be a lot of games in quick succession. We’ll have to adapt to that.”
Despite the demanding schedule, San Mamés remains a fortress for Athletic Club. Valverde emphasized the importance of securing points at home. “Even though the competition has two extra games this year, it still feels short. The home games are where we need to be strong. These three points are incredibly important, no doubt about it,” Valverde stated.
Key Players and Squad Fitness
As for the current fitness of his squad, Valverde is cautiously optimistic. “We’ll have to wait and see how the players perform in training. Sancet did most of the training yesterday, and we’ll evaluate his situation, just like Vesga, who’s been recovering from both a flu and an injury. We’ll assess everything after training,” Valverde shared.
The coach knows that managing player fitness will be key as the season progresses, especially with the added burden of European fixtures. “The main problem arises when you play on Thursday night and then again on Sunday at 2 PM. That’s tough, but it’s part of what we wanted, so we’ll adapt,” he concluded.
Conclusion: Athletic’s Key Battle Against Slavia Praha
As Athletic prepares to face Slavia Praha in their upcoming Europa League match, Valverde’s tactical insights reveal the complexities of the encounter. Slavia is a team that combines tactical versatility with physical strength, making them a challenging opponent. However, with players like Berenguer offering flexibility and the squad beginning to recover from injuries, Athletic is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. Valverde’s focus on quick transitions, squad rotation, and home advantage at San Mamés will be crucial as they aim to progress in the competition.
