Llorente: “Mallorca match is most important of season”

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has declared that this weekend’s clash against high-flying Mallorca is the most important game of the season for his side as they seek to book their place in Europe for next season.

“On Sunday we have the biggest game of the year. If we can beat Mallorca we will continue with many chances to get into Europe. All four remaining games are four finals and we have to go to death,” he told Marca. “Sunday is the most important because it is against a direct [European] rival and a victory can give us a lot of motivation and confidence to face the following matches.”

Llorente called on the fans to get behind the team at San Mames on Sunday but refused to be drawn on the possibility of securing an extra Europa League place should Sevilla claim the Copa del Rey crown.

“I think everybody realises that it is the most important game because all our chances of entering Europe depend on beating Mallorca and we will need the support of everyone,” he said. “The only thing that goes through our heads now is beating Mallorca, nothing else passes through my mind. We have to think of ourselves win our games and see what happens.”

from Goal.com

Athletic Bilbao v Real Mallorca can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 from 8pm on 2nd May (UK Only).