Valverde: "Now we'll focus on the final"
Valverde: "Now we'll focus on the final"
The gaffer spoke to the press after the 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid on Sunday night
Despite being disappointed with Athletic Club's 2-0 loss to Real Madrid, Ernesto Valverde said the Lions can now concentrate on the upcoming Copa final against RCD Mallorca in Seville.
Two Rodrygo goals sunk an Athletic side that never got going in their LaLiga Matchday 30 fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu.
"Now we'll focus on what's coming up this week and fighting to win the final," Valverde said at his post-match press conference.
"We'll approach it with enthusiasm and motivation. We're only interested in what's going to happen on the pitch and we have to separate that from the rest."
The boss admitted Athletic were not "as focused as the match required" when giving his analysis of the Lions's loss to the LaLiga leaders.
He said: "It's always difficult to come here, that's for sure. It's true we have a final in six days and it's difficult to get that out of your mind, but the game had to be played and it was an opportunity for us.
"In the first half we weren't good, neither were they, but we know that Real Madrid don't need to be good to score against you.
"We struggled to get forward and in the second half we tried to go up a gear to see if we had a chance. It's very dangerous when you're taking risks and they start to hit you on the counter-attack. That's why we got this result".