Valverde: “We'll resolve this situation by working hard”

Ernesto Valverde reiterated that Athletic Club have no alternative other than pulling their sleeves up and "working hard" in order to turn around their current poor run of form.

Despite twice coming back from behind, the Lions fell to a tough 3-2 Basque Derby defeat at Anoeta, with Jon Gorratxategi delivering the killer blow in stoppage time.

"We'll resolve this by working hard," the gaffer said in his post-match press conference.

"We're not in the situation we'd like to be in, but we have two important matches this week and we'll see if we can turn things around. We would loved to have won for our fans, but all we can do is keep trying."

A Roberto Navarro equaliser in the 78th minute had Athleticzales dreaming, but the Lions let the draw escape their hands in the dying minutes.

Nonetheless, the gaffer wasn't overy displeased with the performance, saying he was impressed with "the character" his players showed at times.

He continued: "Nobody likes to lose derbies. It was a very competitive match.

"But I have to say that today I liked my team in many moments, we managed to equalise twice. There are good things to take away, I don't think the opposition outplayed us. 

"We worked hard throughout the match, but in the end they scored against us. We'll have to analyse it objectively and improve what needs improving.

"We have to get up and keep going because we have another tough match on Wednesday."