Valverde: “We gave it our all and deserved more”

Ernesto Valverde stressed that Athletic Club "deserved more" from their 0-1 defeat against FC Barcelona at San Mames.

The Lions went toe-to-toe with the league leaders and had several chances to score. In the end it was a fantastic Lamine Yamal strike that decided a tight match.

"We gave it our all," Valverde said post-match.

"We're disappointed with the result, but it was a good match. We definitely deserved more.

"It was very important to respond to the other day's Copa elimination, to put in a competitive performance. We played well and were always in the game.

"I liked the determination with which we approached the match. We have to keep going."

The gaffer was happy with Athletic's defensive performance but admitted they need to be more clinical in the final third.

He said: "The opposition won't show mercy, you have to be clinical, especially against these teams.

"We're improving our defensive solidity. We feel like the opposition didn't hurt us too much

"They didn't create much, but we need to build on that by being more effective in front of goal

There are 11 LaLiga fixtures left this season. Valverde is well aware this is an important stage of the campaign in terms of achieving European qualification, reiterating "there are a lot of points up for grabs".

He continued: "We'll see how it goes. We have our sights set on everything, we want to pick up points to keep moving forward.

"We have an important fixture in Girona, with a full week to prepare. Let's see if we can get some players back from injury. There's still a lot to play for."