Ernesto Valverde dismissed as “outrageous” Azerbaijani rumors claiming he told his players Athletic would score nine against Qarabag. Ahead of a crucial Champions League clash in Baku, the coach stressed humility, focus, and respect for a confident Qarabag side as Athletic seek their first points of the campaign.
Athletic Club enter their third Champions League group stage fixture in need of a result, facing a confident Qarabag side that has started the campaign perfectly with two wins from two.
The Basque team, still without a single point, travel under pressure and with growing scrutiny on both performance and mentality. Coach Ernesto Valverde knows the importance of this encounter not only for qualification hopes but also for restoring calm after a turbulent few weeks domestically and in Europe.
The build-up to the game was overshadowed by an unusual controversy that erupted in Azerbaijan. Reports from local outlets claimed Valverde had told his players in the locker room that Athletic would score nine goals against Qarabag. The rumor spread quickly across Azerbaijani social media, sparking indignation among local fans and giving the fixture an extra emotional charge. When asked about it in his pre-match press conference, Valverde responded with both irony and irritation. “It’s one of the best questions I’ve been asked, and I want to answer it,” he began. “Can you imagine any coach telling his players something like that? Anyone in his country saying I told my players that is outrageous. Qarabag are above us in the table, and they deserve it on merit. We have to be humble.”
The coach’s response underlined his respect for the Azerbaijani champions, who have become one of the most consistent teams from outside Europe’s top five leagues. Qarabag have reached the group stage several times in recent years, building a solid tactical identity under Gurban Gurbanov. Known for their disciplined structure, quick transitions, and technical midfielders, they often play with freedom but within a very organized framework a style that Valverde recognized and praised. “They play with freedom, with good football and important players in midfield and up front,” he said. “From midfield forward they deploy well and have a lot of foreign players who bring experience.”
For Athletic, the context could hardly be more delicate. The team have gone three matches without a win across all competitions, a run that has increased the pressure ahead of this European trip. “If we do not win, things will get more complicated,” Valverde admitted. “But let’s not do the math before we start. It’s a difficult match against a team with real qualities, but our intention is to take all three points. It’s our opportunity. We respect them a lot because we know their potential, but this is the match in front of us.”
He also spoke about the demanding schedule and the physical challenge his players face. Qarabag played their domestic match on Friday, which gave them an extra day of rest. “Coming in after three days is a handicap for us,” Valverde said, noting that Athletic also have another important match just three days later. Still, he refused to use fatigue as an excuse and emphasized the importance of mental focus and consistency: “We always give the same message focus on the game, play well with and without the ball, and stay very concentrated. Usually, the team that performs best in both phases attack and defense has the best chance of winning. That’s what we have to do.”
Tactically, Valverde will have to make decisions with one eye on rotation. “Matches are coming very quickly and you always keep an eye on what comes next, without giving more importance to one game over another,” he said. “But we know the standings are tight, and this Qarabag match is important.” The Basque coach hinted at possible adjustments in midfield and attack, especially as several key forwards have only recently returned from injury. “We’ve been able to recover four important attacking players who were out,” he noted. “We’ve gone from winning everything in one month to not winning the next, and now we’re trying to bounce back.”
Valverde highlighted that, despite some frustrations in front of goal, Athletic remain competitive in nearly every match. “It’s possible that at certain moments we haven’t had the chances we would like, but at the same time I see a lot of equality in every game,” he explained. “In the league, we have the same points as last year at this stage. We’re a very united team, and we want to extend that to the Champions League to defend and attack well, with the same solidarity.”
The coach concluded with a reminder of the level of competition in Europe’s top tournament. “The Champions League is like playing Real Madrid, Barcelona or Atlético every week,” he said. “Difficult, of course but nothing that surprises us.”
As Athletic prepare for a must-win encounter, the task is clear: overcome the external noise, rediscover the sharpness that defined their strong start to the season, and find the cutting edge needed to turn solid performances into victories. Qarabag, playing at home and full of confidence, will be far from an easy opponent. But for Valverde and his team, this game represents both a challenge and a chance for redemption a night where humility and precision must replace distraction and pressure.
