Valverde: "We're left with a bittersweet feeling"

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde admitted to having mixed emotions about Los Leones' 0-1 defeat against FC Barcelona on Sunday night.

Los Rojiblancos were the better side and had several chance to score, including a Raúl García header that hit the crossbar, plus an Iñaki Williams goal in the 87th minute which was controversially ruled out for a dubious Iker Muniain hand-ball in the build-up.

"I think we've played well in every game. It's true we have some problems converting our chances. but generally speaking, the team is doing well," Valverde said in his post-match press conference.

"Even so, it's not enough to play well and to deserve to win. We needed to win and instead we're left with a bittersweet feeling because we're playing and competing well against all kinds of teams. But then we look at the standings and we know need to win no matter what."

Nonetheless, Ernesto was impressed by Athletic's performance and the attitude they showed despite going a goal down against the run of play.

He said: "Barça came in as league leader and they leave as the top team because they're playing at a high level. In the first half we tried to press them hard and they avoided the pressure.

"It was difficult for us. We were trying to push a bit further forward and yet they forced us back. In the 44th minute we were very tired, they caught us and scored a goal.

"Then, as time went on, we grew stronger and were able to equalise. Even after the disallowed goal we had a that triple chance to score."