Valverde: "There are a lot of good things we have to maintain"

Valverde: "There are a lot of good things we have to maintain"

Ernesto Valverde highlighted the team's "great attitude" in the league opener.

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde, starting his third spell in charge, chose to look on the positive side after the Lions got their season up and running with a 0-0 draw against RCD Mallorca at San Mamés on Monday night.

Los Rojiblancos created plenty of chances to score but came up against an inspired Pedrag Rajkovic in goal behind a well drilled defence.

"I think there were a lot of good things that we have to try to maintain. The team had a great attitude. They wanted to carry the weight of the game and they were strong. It's true that we didn't finish and perhaps we lacked a bit of patience at certain times, but that's something we'll work on," Valverde said in his post-match press conference.

"We went for it from the first minute, we came out with a lot of desire and I think we could've scored a goal. It was difficult because Mallorca's defence was strong, they were compact and they looked to counter often.

"We have to persevere. We know we often find it difficult to put our chances away. That's why we have to create more and more clear-cut chances and keep working hard to improve in those situations."

When questioned about the new singing section in the north stand, Valverde was very excited about what it offers The Cathedral.

"I loved it and it can bring us a lot. It's noticeable when you go to a ground where there's a constant hustle and bustle with people pushing you all the time," Valverde added.

"San Mamés is a stadium that gets you going and makes the opposition feel that pressure. Creating a great atmosphere on match day so people can enjoy themselves even more is a step forward for the club. You have to come to the stadium to participate and have an impact on the game."