He is already 60 years old and has a quite interesting record as a coach, with two Leagues and a Copa del Rey with Barcelona. Perhaps that is why Ernesto Valverde transmits an astonishing tranquility. And he wants to transfer that calm to his players, after the emotional component took its toll on Athletic in their last cup final, against Real Sociedad. “When you play decisive matches it’s about putting what you have and are on the field. What we know is how to play,” he said, trying to isolate his team.
Although he does not hide that it is perhaps the most important game since he took the red and white bench – “I know what this game means to everyone if we win” – Valverde also reduced the pressure from the fans. “It has always been done that Athletic sends fans to any final. It is a demonstration of the greatness that the club has,” he highlighted. But that doesn’t oblige them any more. “We are happy to be here. We dreamed of it since the beginning of the season. But in the end we are a team that in the 21st century has lost the five finals it has played in. So when you have nothing, you have nothing to lose.”
Mallorca and especially Javier Aguirre intend to hang the banner of favorite over Athletic, a label that Valverde rejects. “I wouldn’t mind saying that we are favorites if they gave me a goal, but since they’re not going to give it to me… I have no intention of motivating the opponent,” he explained.
Nor does he believe the sheep’s clothing that the Mexican coach is dressing in, who stated that if given the choice he would sign permanence. “We are both here to win the Cup. The League and the permanence of Mallorca will be seen. It’s about making the most of your chances of winning the final,” he clarified.
The Viandar de la Vera coach warned of the virtues of his rival. “They are a tough team that tries to play long games and succeeds. He is very dangerous in strategy and when he sets out to put pressure he does well for the man,” he analyzed.
Valverde was asked to compare the previous Cup final he led Athletic, which they lost 3-0 against Barça at the Camp Nou in 2015, with the current one. “At the moment we play on a neutral field, that changes a lot. They were then full of joy and also won the League and the Champions League. This final is more open,” he ventured.
Regarding whether he would change the titles he won throughout his career for the Cup with Athletic, he did not comment. “How do you do this? With a time warp? With a car going backwards? ”He joked. “The most important title is the one in front of you.”
