Iñigo Lekue covered Yuri’s injury leave against the Rangers. Both in the first leg in Glasgow and yesterday in San Mamés. The veteran Athletic footballer gave to a very good level in both appointments despite not having much continuity in Valverde’s alignments.
“Nor do I think it is a coincidence that they put me before Rapinha, Antony, Lukebakio, Cerny … -says the rojiblanco defense. The Mister often tells me that he likes how I defend these types of players. It is a facet that I have and I try to exploit the power and speed to defend and try to avoid cons. Many times I stay a little further back to order the team. They are variants that the Mr. has and today (for Thursday) it has gone very well”.
Lekue assumes his role in the current Athletic with professionalism and team sense: “Regardless of the regularity that it has or not in terms of minutes, I always try to do the same. First compete the position on a day -to -day basis, which often seems that they are empty words, but the demand and competitiveness of the group increases greatly. When I have the opportunity I try to give everything and do my best for the benefit of the team”.
The Bilbao defense focused his gaze on what awaits Athletic in the Europa League. To eliminate Manchester United in the semifinals, the lions could play the grand final of this tournament in San Mamés. The challenge motivates Valverde’s pupils, although always keeping his feet on the ground.
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“At the moment we will fight our semifinal, which is what has done us so far: to go little by little. We already know that all of us unconsciously also have the final in San Mamés, so that entails, but now we focus on the semifinals, in Manchester, and happy with the pass to the semifinals and with living nights like this”argument.
