Valverde: "It wasn't to be, but we have to keep going"

Ernesto Valverde bemoaned missing what he believes was "a good opportunity to reach the Supercoopa final" but stressed that Athetic Club still have a lot left to play for this season.

The Lions dropped out of the Spanish Super Cup in the semi-finals after suffering 0-2 defeat to FC Barcelona at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"We tried to keep the game open and alive until the end," the gaffer said in his post-match press conference. "It's a pity we had those two goals disallowed and couldn't put Barça under a bit more pressure.

"They started the game very well, especially in the first ten minutes and we struggled to adjust. Our start to the second half wasn't very good either.

"After conceding each goal, we reacted and we grew in the game. We ended up getting into their box more often, but it wasn't to be.

"We've missed a good opportunity to reach the final of the Supercopa, but we have to keep going."

Txingurri also pointed to Barça's clinical performance, saying Athletic came up against "great players" that "showed no mercy".

He added: "You have to see what we have in front of us. We tried to press them up top, blocking their way forward so they couldn't push us back. But that carries a risk because they know how to play with and without space. It's all part of the game."

Valverde also assessed our upcoming Copa round of 16 fixture against CA Osasuna.

"They're a difficult opponent who we have just played and who eliminated us in the semi-finals two years ago," he said. 

"We have the advantage of playing at home but it won't be easy. We have a week until the game and it's important for us to recover well.

"We still have a tough month ahead of us and we want to compete for everything."