Barça boss Valverde: Going back to San Mames is nothing new

Ernesto Valverde is a pragmatic man. It's not the first time playing at San Mames on the opposition side, but it is the first time at the new San Mames as a rival and as Barcelona coach. However, his only wish is to win the game. 

"It's not the first time I have played against Athletic, it's nothing new," he said. "Of course, people are there that I've shared lots of emotions with over the years and I will greet them... but this is a football match and you need to forget the niceties and focus on the game.

"I understand the insistence, but I am a professional and the objective is to win the game. Emotional matters will be left for after. We need to be pragmatic and win the game. Afterwards is the time for niceties. I was there for four years this time and what I take from there is the wonderful atmosphere at the club. It's a great place to work but I'm going there to win, regardless of having lots of friends there. They will still be friends regardless of the result tomorrow." 

Valverde spent six years at Athletic as a player and has coached the club twice, so he knows what Barça can expect as they look to make it 10 games unbeaten in La Liga. 

"Athletic are very strong at San Mames, not just now but for a long time," he added. "They're a team that plays with a lot of intensity. We will have to try to overcome that pressure -- the fans are always behind them, pushing them on.

"They're a rival that always pushes, tries to get the opposition's box. They like to play possession football (...) It's a very special game, so many close friends that have and still work at the club. I know it will be a difficult game tomorrow and I know that as a coach at San Mames I don't have a great record. Hopefully, I can set that right tomorrow."