Carlos Gurpegi has acknowledged that whilst Athletic Bilbao not beating Lyon on Thursday would not be a mathematical disaster, three points are ‘necessary’.
Athletic have won just four of their 14 matches split between La Liga and the Europa League this term and go into Thursday’s European fixture bottom of Group I with just a point from two games played.
To make matters worse, the Basques must play away at Lyon this week, with the French side currently topping the group with maximum points to their name.
“If we do not win then we would still have options, but it is important. It is necessary to win, to reinforce what we are doing and our minds are only on achieving victory,” insisted defensive midfielder Gurpegi after today’s training session.
“From midfield upwards they have players like Lisandro and Gomis, who are important. Three points at the Stade de Gerland would provide a very strong mental blow to them.
“We are eager to reverse our situation in the League, to get a first win in the Europa League and to rediscover our playing style.
“We are working hard and at the moment the reward is small, but with the mentality and desire, the team will achieve the results.”
