Valverde and Eder Sarabia Share Insightful Exchange
Ernesto Valverde and Eder Sarabia shared an insightful exchange ahead of the Elche vs. Athletic match, as captured by DAZN cameras. Their conversation highlighted a profound connection that Sarabia feels towards both his team and Valverde, a figure from his youth.
Reflections on the Past
Sarabia reminisced about his father, emphasizing that they aim to mirror the football style his father advocated. He mentioned his frequent visits to San Mamés, where he admired legendary figures like Valverde and Kuko Ziganda. This nostalgia was palpable as Sarabia expressed, “The Athletic is very special to me, but my focus must be on defending my team.”
Valverde’s Impact and Legacy
As the conversation progressed, Sarabia praised Valverde’s influence at Athletic Club. He stated, “If he isn’t the best coach in the history of Athletic, he is certainly among the top three.” Looking ahead, Sarabia expressed interest in potentially coaching Athletic in the future but reaffirmed his commitment to Elche as he stated, “I am very happy here.”
Footballing Connections
During their discussion, Valverde also touched on the camaraderie formed from their previous encounters on the field. Although they never played together, they faced off as rivals. Valverde noted, “I played against him, but I didn’t have to mark him since I was a forward. Observing how Elche plays, I can see some similarities.”
Match Day Highlights
The match commenced with a touching embrace between Sarabia and his father, followed by Sarabia receiving the trophy for the best coach of September. This moment underscored the familial bonds that often intertwine with professional ambitions in football.
