Valverde: "This is a setback, but we'll fight until the end"
Valverde: "This is a setback, but we'll fight until the end"
The gaffer bemoaned the defeat against Atletico Madrid and condemns the racist chants towards Nico Williams
Despite Saturday night's loss against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, Ernesto Valverde reiterated that Athletic Club will "fight until the very end" to qualify for the Champions League.
The 3-1 loss sees the Lions slip six points behind Atletico in the race for fourth place.
"There are five games left and we will fight until the end," Valverde said after the match.
"The objective is always the same, to catch the rival in front and prevent the ones behind from catching you. Losing today is a setback, but we must continue.
"In the first half we had more chances, but then when you get into attacking positions less than you'd like you need to do more with the ball. We lacked that last pass."
Unfortunately, the match will also be remembered for the racist chants directed towards Nico Williams from the home crowd. Valverde insisted fan "should come to football stadiums for anything more than watching footballers play".
He continued: "It's something we don't like to see anywhere. We have to take a step forward when it comes to manners and respect. People think they're going to stadiums to let off steam and we end up with these situations that I can't get my head around."