Athletic did a lot of things right against Sevilla, but also did a few things wrong. The decisive play of the match, throughout stoppage time, caught up with him. There are a few other issues that need to be fixed.
1. Beat for a stupid, controversial and avoidable action
Old school coaches often say that if you don’t win, it means you don’t lose. Athletic, however, missed out by two points from San Mamés when everything was pointing to a 0-0 final. A goal from which some of Valverde’s players will have to learn. Unai Simón took a risk by giving the ball inside his own area to Yeray and he unfortunately slipped and in his reaction to recover the position he tripped Ocampos. Controversial penalty, goal against and home with zero points. The thing about some professional players and the studs in their boots is still incomprehensible.
2. Little ability to generate scoring opportunities
Many said that Sevilla only finished between three sticks of Unai Simón’s goal in the penalty action converted by Ocampos, but the truth is that Dmitrovic is not remembered for saves either. The lions tried all night by land, sea and air, but almost on the two occasions when they shot between the three sticks they scored goals that the referee, after consulting the VAR, disallowed . What was left was a lackluster and unable to deal with a defense which, with two new full-backs and as many midfielders, gained consistency as the minutes ticked by. The stopped ball didn’t work either.
3. There is no substitute for a coach’s taste in the middle of the field
Valverde had to improvise in his midfield against Sevilla due to the casualties of Vesga and Zarraga and even Muniain due to injury. The rojiblanco coach opted to field Dani García alongside Ander Herrera with Sancet leading the way, an unprecedented combination as far as the starting line-up is concerned. Despite the fact that oxygen was clearly needed in Athletic’s wide zone, Vencedor’s avoidance of Ander Herrera did not take place until the 80th minute. Unai Gómez was another possible asset to exploit, but the first choice coach of the team not to make his debut.
4. Villarreal moved away while the pursuers hid
This last day of the League was not positive for Athletic’s interest. The lions, yes, continue to rely on themselves to reach the sixth position at the end of the League. Betis, sixth in the table, lead them by three points, but they have to visit San Mamés. Villarreal, on the other hand, has returned to four points, placing fifth, although a direct clash with the rojiblancos is also pending. A further problem for Valverde’s pupils is that both Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano and even Girona, Sevilla and Mallorca move within the maximum difference of six points.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
