VALVERDE: WE ARE GUNNER HAVE TO BE PERFECT TONIGHT

ATHLETIC BILBAO boss Ernesto Valverde says his team have prepared for Arsenal as if they were facing Real Madrid or Barcelona.

And the Spaniard conceded his team must produce a “perfect performance” if they want to emerge from tonight’s clash with anything to show for their efforts.

“When you’re playing against one of the favourites to win the competition and the Premier League, you have to be very careful, take advantage of your opportunities and not concede too many,” he said.

“They have a very high pace, which pushes you towards your goal. It’s like when Real Madrid or Barcelona come to us, with this type of team, you’ll have to try to put on a perfect performance.”

Valverde (above) is also confident he is coming up against one of the world’s best managers in Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

“One of the world’s best coaches, surely?” Valverde said. “What he is doing at Arsenal proves it.

“I do not say it just because Arsenal have great players, but because of what they do, how they play, their spirit, how they press you, how they do not let you play, how insistent they are in each duel. And then, at the time of the game, with the technical quality they have, it is difficult to press them high, because they have the resources to go out and play in the space.”

Inaki Williams says Bilbao are ready to welcome former Real Sociedad rivals Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.

“I understand that Zubimendi and Merino will have their family and friends nearby,” Williams said.

“For them, it’s an extra incentive to be able to play against Athletic.

“We, too, are ready with the knife between our teeth. We know it’s not going to be easy.”