Ernesto Valverde has placed Mikel Arteta in the highest bracket of European managers as Athletic Club prepare to face Arsenal in their Champions League opener at San Mamés.
The veteran coach admitted his side would need to produce a flawless display to compete with a team he ranks alongside Spain’s biggest. “When you’re playing against one of the favourites to win the competition and the Premier League, you have to be very careful, take advantage of your opportunities and not concede too many,” Valverde said.
“They have a very high pace, which pushes you towards your goal. It’s like when Real Madrid or Barcelona come to us, with this type of team, you’ll have to try to put on a perfect performance.”
Valverde was effusive in his praise of the Arsenal manager. “One of the world’s best coaches, surely?” he said.
“What he is doing at Arsenal proves it.
“I do not say it just because Arsenal have great players, but because of what they do, how they play, their spirit, how they press you, how they do not let you play, how insistent they are in each duel. And then, at the time of the game, with the technical quality they have, it is difficult to press them high, because they have the resources to go out and play in the space.”
The Basque derby undercurrent was not ignored in the pre match press conferences. Athletic Club captain Iñaki Williams highlighted the added incentive for Arsenal’s Spanish recruits. “I understand that Zubimendi and Merino will have their family and friends nearby,” Williams said.
“For them, it’s an extra incentive to be able to play against Athletic. We, too, are ready with the knife between our teeth. We know it’s not going to be easy.”
When asked if his family would be attending, Mikel Arteta said, “All of them, no, but a big majority will come and we’re looking forward to that.
“We land in Bilbao. That’s normally where I land when I go back home to San Sebastian. It’s an hour drive from there. All my family is from there. And you just sense the passion, the rivalry, the football atmosphere, and it’s great to be here. I’ve never been in this stadium before, so it’s a good experience.”