Mikel Vesga admits Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti's words about Athletic Bilbao surprised him.

Ancelotti, discussing Real's title rivals, said: "Due to the fact that it does not have European competition, I think that Girona is going to fight until the end for the League, as I think Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona are also going to fight. And watch out for Bilbao, who are playing very well!"

In response, Athletic's Vesga stated: "I am surprised, logically, by what Ancelotti said. I don't even think about those types of objectives. I'm much more sensible. The teams at the top are on another level. Hopefully we can be there competing until the end, but I already told you that our goal is to be in Europe next year, which is what we would love and we will fight for that.

"It doesn't help much to think about Ancelotti. Last year before the break we were also in the Champions League positions and it seemed like we were going to finish in the top four, but... We already see that the season is long, there are peaks in form.

"It's not easy to stay there all year round. We will fight and fight until the end to achieve interesting objectives for next year."