Valverde: “It was a frustrating night”

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde admitted he was "frustrated" to not have picked up all three points after the Lions' 1-1 draw with Granada on Friday night.

The result leaves Athletic three points away off Atletico in fourth place with Los Colchoneros facing Alaves at Mendizorrotza on Sunday.

"It was a tough game for us right from the start, but we kept trying to create goalscoring situations," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference.

"We got the equaliser, but they did a good job defensively and we couldn't put away the chances we had. 

"It's true that they closed ranks and it was difficult for us. But we thought that with our drive we were going to be able to win, but it wasn't to be."

Valverde believes the Lions "lacked a bit of clarity" in the box and says they could have created more clear chances.

He said: "Perhaps we were rushing and although that can be a strength, it becomes a flaw if you're not calm. We're the kind of team that pushes a lot and thanks to that we've managed comebacks, dominated our opponentes and subdued them.

"Sometimes that comes at the cost of not being very sharp at certain times. This year we've been clinical in quite a few games but not today."