

Ernesto Valverde insisted that he cannot remember a time during his seven years as head coach at Athletic when the Lions have been so dominant at San Mames in terms of their play, saying he "never felt any other team was superior to us" in Bilbao this season.
"In my seven years here, I can't remember a season in which I've had the feeling we could've won all 21 fixtures at home," the head coach said while offering his analysis of the 2022/23 campaign.
In the end those home results amounted to 27 points of the Lions' 51 on the board. Something which Valverde put down to a lack of clinical edge.
There are some impressive statistics when it comes to attacking play, such as Athletic being the team with most offensive corners in LaLiga, ahead of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. There are also 'European' numbers in terms of producing chances.
He said: "We've played some great matches at home, but with little reward. We weren't always as clinical as we should've been."
Of course goals are all that count, but Valverde believes "the team are doing a lot of things well" and seems plenty of room for growth and improvement.
"We fought to get into Europe from the first minute until the 90th minute, from the first match until the last," he added.
"When it comes down to the final tally and you don't make it by the narrowest of margins, there's always a point of frustration. But we can't be too tempted to focus on the negative side and not acknowledge all the things we have done well.
"There are certain moments of play when we need to be calmer and sharper, especially in the closing stages of a match, where we've let slip many valuable points this season."

-150.jpg)
.jpg)
Work plan until 30 september
First Team
Barring any last-minute changes, Athletic's men's firs team will follow the work schedule below


Valverde: "We have to keep this up"
First Team
The boss was pleased after Athletic's win but insisted there is no time to rest on our laurels with fixtures coming thick and fast


Ruiz de Galarreta medical report
First Team
The central midfielder had to be subbed off during our match against Deportivo Alavés


Athletic unstoppable at Mendizorrotza
First Team
Goals from Iñaki Williams and Sancet tie up impressive victory of Los Leones


Match Pack: Deportivo Alavés vs Athletic Club (LaLiga MD6)
First Team
The Zurigorri are looking keep this good run going and consolidate their place at the top end of the table


Squad List: Deportivo Alavés vs Athletic Club (LaLiga MD6)
First Team
Ernesto Valverde has called up 23 players for Friday's clash at Mendizorrotza


Valverde: “We have a lot to play for against Alavés”
First Team
The boss urged his Lions to "keep grafting" as they get set to face Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorrotza on Friday night (21:00 CEST)


Peña Mikel Vesga opened in Vitoria-Gasteiz
First Team
Our midfielder's family and friends have established a new meeting point for Athletic fans in the city


Global TV Guide: Deportivo Alavés vs Athletic Club (LaLiga MD6)
First Team
When and where to watch Friday's Basque derby in every part of the world


Spectacular celebration for new San Mamés' 10th anniversary
First Team
The team and fans came together to celebrate a great victory on the day the current Cathedral turned 10 years old