LOPETEGUI: "MOTIVATION IS INTRINSIC FOR AN AMBITIOUS GROUP"

Julen Lopetegui's last pre-match press conference of the season lasted a little longer than usual and, as always, he began by discussing the immediate future: "We want to play a good game against a rival that wants to get into Europe. We're looking forward to improving on that Champions League qualification and we have the added bonus of Bono's individual award, the Zamora. We want to finish the season well, knowing that we have done a great job in a tough and difficult year and that we have achieved a historic objective in a very difficult season. We have one game left and we always focus on the most important thing, which right now is Athletic Bilbao."

He did not want to make any overall assessments until the final whistle of the last game: "We talked about it at the end of the previous game, but we are focused on tomorrow. If we have managed to achieve all this in three years, it is because we focus on what matters, which is always the next game. This is no exception because we have to be ready to play a good game. We'll assess everything when the season's over and it's not over yet." In addition, he did not reveal whether Bono will be in the starting line-up: "Tomorrow you will see the line-up, we are not going to say anything in advance. Individual awards in football for me are for collective work. If the trophy falls into Bono's hands, which I hope it does, it will be in very good hands."

As for the motivation for tomorrow, the coach is clear that there are more things to achieve: "We are in front of our people, with the possibility of improving our position in the league, although it will be difficult. We want to play a good game against a very strong opponent. We have to be focused on that and motivation is intrinsic for a group that is ambitious and wants to play a good game." On the subject of absentees, he confirmed that Fernando and Suso will be absent, as well as Martial. On the Frenchman, who will not be able to say goodbye on the pitch before the end of his loan spell, he commented that "he is a very talented plater but he has not been able to show it for various reasons, the main one being the lack of continuity due to injuries. He hasn't been able to show his talent, unfortunately for him and for us."

As for the fans' farewell to the season, he commented that "the fans have helped us all year in very difficult moments. A large part of the qualification for the Champions League is thanks to the fans, aside from the demands at the club that we are all aware of. They have helped us in difficult and crucial moments. Fans also have their share of merit in the their team's tough moments" Finally, he spoke specifically about the opponent: "Athletic always play at a very high tempo, they win their duels and have individual and collective quality. That's what I'm expecting tomorrow and they have the motivation of getting into Europe.  Marcelino has a very clear way of understanding the game and a clear style. He is a talented coach."