Valverde: “It has been an extraordinary season and we want to finish with a great game”

Ernesto Valverde spoke to the press after Athletic's 0-1 win over Valencia CF at Mestalla.

"We are very happy with today's game. Obviously for the result and for the work the players have done here.

"We came from playing on Thursday night, we played a very competitive game because they wanted to take us out of the game and our pressure prevented them from doing that.

"We have 70 points. If we thought about it at the start of the season we wouldn't believe it, we're fourth and we're in the Champions League. It has been an extraordinary season."

Regarding the course of the match and the five consecutive matches without conceding goals in LaLiga, the red and white coach admitted that "we had to be very focused to prevent them from playing and for us to play our game.

In that sense we applied ourselves well, we didn't let them get away easily. Our goalkeeper is a great goalkeeper and so is our defence."

Asked about the overall mark he gives the team this season, Valverde replied: "There is no more than 10. I always give my players the highest mark because they give everything.

"In general terms, the team always gives their all and does an incredible job.

"What we need to do now is celebrate and finish the season next week with a great game.

The Athletic coach admits that there is enough incentive to play the last matchday at San Mames.

"We host Barça and we have the farewell of Óscar, as well as the difficulty and the rivalry that we have with the them.

"We don't need any more incentive, we're ready and looking forward to it."