"We'll prove Athletic's philosophy can compete in the Champions League"

After more than a decade of waiting, Athletic Club are back in Europe's premier competition. The Basque side begin their Champions League campaign against Arsenal, one of the favourites for the trophy this year.

Ernesto Valverde, the 'Rojiblancos' boss, faced the press in the traditional pre-match press conference. 'Txingurri' seemed motivated by the challenge, stating that he expects to see a competitive Athletic from the off in this Champions League.

"As a coach, I must keep a level head. Of course, we are very excited to be playing in the most important European club competition, and we want to compete, knowing that the difficulty increases compared to the Europa League. Clubs play it with everything, and it is a way to test ourselves and help us to improve," explained the coach, who asked his players for 100% to stand up to a rival of this calibre.

"When you play against a team like Arsenal, you have to be very sharp and take advantage of the opportunities you get in the match because this kind of team does not forgive. They force you to play in your own half, they push you back towards your goal... They are a team similar to Real Madrid or Barcelona. You have to play a perfect match to show your strengths," he said.

Athletic's philosophy and praise for former Real Sociedad players

Valverde also spoke about the team's motivation ahead of what will be the Champions League debut for the vast majority of the squad. "It should help us, not be a burden. The fans will also be motivated, it is the start of the Champions League and against a very high-level opponent, the kind they like in Bilbao. We hope to approach this match as ourselves and show that we can compete in Europe with Athletic's philosophy," he pointed out.

Similarly, the Athletic coach commented on the team's lack of rest in this initial phase of the season, although it is a factor he will have to deal with throughout the Champions League campaign. "It's a match that comes early, with barely three days to prepare. There will be some changes for various reasons, I have to assess it. We need the pace to stay high, as they set it," he admitted.

Regarding the opponent, the coach emphasised Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, both with pasts at Real Sociedad, as well as praising his counterpart Mikel Arteta. "I have always seen them doing well, both at Real Sociedad and now. This experience will help them improve further. They have settled in very well at Arsenal. Arteta? He is one of the best in the world. He shows it with what he is doing, how they play and the spirit they have," he argued.