The Athletic Club coach, Ernesto Valverde, pointed out that his reaction after getting the 1-1 draw against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium was to “go for more.” This sentiment was expressed during a press conference, where he confessed that his team wanted to push for a win, rather than settling for a draw. Valverde acknowledged that this approach can be risky, but it’s a necessary one in today’s competitive football landscape. You have to admit, the rival team played a significant role in the outcome, and it’s not like they were going to let Athletic Club have it easy.
Analysis of the Game
Valverde recognized that his team lacked sharpness and precision in the last third during the first half. Despite this, they managed to tie the game after conceding a goal. He praised his team’s resilience, saying, “When we were better, we received the goal. We remade and managed to tie. Then, we pressed to see if we could take the prize.” This mentality is essential in football, where teams need to be able to bounce back from setbacks.
Incidents During the Game
The coach also addressed an incident involving Nico Williams, where he was touched by an opponent in the penalty area. Valverde noted that the referee could have called a foul, but instead, the play continued. He emphasized the importance of players staying on their feet, even in situations like this. On a separate note, Valverde was asked about the racist insults directed at Maroaan during the first half. He stated that the referee informed the team about the protocol to follow in such situations and that it didn’t affect the team’s focus.
Valverde expressed his disappointment that these incidents still occur in football, saying, “Unfortunately, this happens in more places.” He stressed the need for general education and awareness to prevent such incidents. The coach also criticized the whistles directed at Iñaki Williams after the racist episode, calling it a “strange reaction.” It’s worrying that racist insults still happen in modern football, and it’s essential to address this issue.
Espanyol’s Performance
Regarding Espanyol, Valverde acknowledged that the team is in good form, having not lost at home for a long time. He praised their involvement and commitment to playing a lot, making it challenging for opponents to create scoring opportunities. This assessment is a testament to Espanyol’s growth and development as a team. Overall, Valverde’s comments provide valuable insights into the game and the issues that still plague football today.