Valverde: "We really needed this win"

Ernesto Valverde praised Athletic Club’s much-needed 2-1 victory over Real Betis at San Mames.

Dani Vivian and Oihan Sancet netted in a triumph that will have done wonders for the team’s morale ahead of the international break.

“It was so important to win," Valverde said after full-time.

"Anyone who was at the ground knows just how much we needed this. We focused on that, and the points taste even better than you can imagine.

“This match was important for many reasons: the poor result in Girona, the need to rediscover our intensity and drive, and the need for points.

"There’s still a long way to go, but going into the break on a high note is brilliant for tackling what remains. It’s just three more points, but they mean a lot.” 

Despite announcing his departure last Friday, Valverde focused, as always, on the result and what's best for the Lions.

He said: “These are my final matches, but the level of focus and the need for points take precedence. Above all, the result was crucial.”