Valverde: “We didn't expect a defeat like that”
Valverde: “We didn't expect a defeat like that”
The gaffer bemoaned the manner in which Athletic fell to defeat at the Estadio de la Cerámica
Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde described the Lions' LaLiga Santander loss against Villarreal as "tough" and "unexpected".
Los Rojiblancos fell to a heavy defeat against Quique Setien's side at the Estadio de la Ceramica. Despite the setback, Athletic remain in 8th place for the time being, one point behind Girona.
Athletic had moments to score in the first half, with some counter-attacks, but a lack of luck combined with a fine display by the home team saw Los Leones struggle in Vila-real.
"We tried to put pressure on them up top but there was a big difference in their punching power," Valverde said in his post-match press conference.
"They punished us hard. We had very clear chances to get into the game but we weren't effective. At 2-1 we thought we could come back but, at the first opportunity, they punished us again. Then with a two-goal deficit, they grew. The game was theirs."
Despite the result, Valverde chose to remain optimistic ahead of the final run-in. He said: "There are four games left and we have to go all out. Now this game is over, we'll be down for a while, but there's nothing left to do but to move on and prepare as well as possible for the next game.
"We're still in the fight and if we win on Sunday [against Celta] it will help us be more composed as we head into the final stretch."