Gaizka Garitano: “We needed this win”

Athletic Club manager Gaizka Garitano said he was proud of the work done by his players after their 2-0 victory over Levante UD on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from new signing Alex Berenguer and striker Iñaki Williams helped the lions pick up three important points and a first home win of the season in their LaLiga matchday six fixture.

“We needed this win,” Garitano said in his post-match press conference. “We were relaxed and we came in from a good week of work, but a team needs positive results.

“I’m glad for them [the players]. We defended well and were brave in attack.”

Garitano singled out winger Berenguer for praise. The Pamplona-born player made his first appearance at San Mamés as an Athletic Club footballer and capped off a great performance with a first goal in the red-and-white shirt. And on another day it could have been two, he had a second goal ruled out as Raúl García was deemed to be offside in the build-up play.

“Alex gives up that depth that perhaps we lacked before,” Garitano said of the goalscorer. “And above all, he can score goals from the wing. I always say that the players in the second line of attack have to contribute goals.”

It was not only a special occasion for Berenguer. Central-midfielder Oier Zarraga, who has been with Athletic Club since he was 10 years old, made his official debut when he replaced Unai Lopez in the 70th minute.

Speaking about the youngsters breaking through, Garitano added: “This is a new generation we have with us. We need time and patience, but the most important thing is that they are already with us and they are helping the team.”