Valverde “We wanted a final at San Mames and we have it on Thursday”
Valverde “We wanted a final at San Mames and we have it on Thursday”
The gaffer was happy with a "good point" after a "close" match and is now setting his sights on Thursday's second leg against Roma
Ernesto Valverde stressed the importance of Thursday's Europa League clash with AS Roma after the Lions picked up a hard-earned point against RCD Mallorca at San Mames on Sunday evening.
The Lions, 2-1 down on aggregate, host Claudio Ranieri's side at The Cathedral on Thursday at 18:45 CET.
"We're in good shape and we're looking forward to it," Valverde said about the crucial European clash.
"There's a chance we can stay in Europe and we need to do all we can to make that happen. The fans will get behind us.
"Now we need to get excited about Thursday. We wanted a final at San Mamés and on Thursday we have it. Let's make the most of it."
As for Sunday's draw with Mallorca, which sees Athletic extend the gap between themselves and fifth-placed Villarreal to five points, Valverde admitted it was a "close" match.
He said: "I have to accept the result. It was a very close and hard-fought match. It was difficult for us. They pressed us well and defended strongly. We tried to engage the crowd with our energy, but we lacked composure in the final third."
Related match
Athletic Club - AS Roma
