Athletic Bilbao captain Iker Muniain insists there's much to play for over the remainder of the season.

Los Rojiblancos, in eighth place, are seven points of sixth place and European qualification with nine games to go and 27 points up for grabs.

“There's still a significant number of points left to play for," Muniain said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

“It's true there are seven points separating us from sixth place, but experience tells me that a lot of things always happen over the last few fixture and it's possible to string together some positive results.

“We're optimistic ahead of the final stretch and we're convinced we can do it. We all want whats best for Athletic."

When asked about his personal form, Muniain admitted he has “improved over the course of the season", saying: “I feel like I'm contributing to the group, which is the most important thing and what I train for every day.

“I've been feeling better with every match. The team has also been grown stronger across the season. The coach has made us all better and he's helped several players to take a step forward."

The skipper was asked about the upcoming vote on the creation of a new 'animation zone' at San Mamés. He said: “My opinion, and I think that of the rest of my team-mates too, is that it's a very nice idea.

“To have an animation zone which occupies the whole grandstand behind the goal would be really exciting. If San Mamés is already a vibrant stadium in itself, giving it that extra boost could take it one step further.

“It's a thrill when you see it in other stadiums and the fact we have this initiative is exciting. Hopefully it will be implemented and everything is done for the good of Athletic."