Ernesto Valverde returns to Camp Nou for the first time since his sacking back in 2020. His Athletic side will face Barcelona away later today.
"I am excited to win, but not for revenge, but to win the three points," he said, as quoted by Football Espana.
"it’s the first rival we have in front of us and it’s difficult. Barcelona is having a great campaign, the other day they played a good game and it will be difficult.
"It’s a club you’ve been to, there are a lot of people I know and I’ll say hello, and then it will be just another game."
Valverde was in charge of Barcelona between 2017 and 2020. He won two La Liga titles, Spanish Cup and Spanish Super Cup during his time at the club.
The Athletic head coach has shared his opinion on Barcelona's struggles this season.
"They are not out of the Champions League yet, there are a couple of games left, and they at a very high level in the League," he said.
"The other day they lost, but we already know that the defeats there seem to mean more than they are, they always sting, I feel they have enough to go far.
"The thing is that Madrid are in a sweet moment, in which they play easily and well. A League of many points is predicted.
"I think Barcelona are doing well because when it seems that they play a little worse, they create eight clear chances and when they do it well, 20."
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