Valverde: “It cost us, but we are happy”

Against Ludogorets, Athletic added their third consecutive victory in Europe after achievements against AZ Alkmaar and Slavia Prague. Ernesto Valverde He appeared in the press room of the Bulgarian stadium satisfied with the three points, but acknowledged the difficulty of the match. “It was a very difficult game, they played hard, strong, it was difficult for us to get into the game and get into the rhythm. When they scored a goal they fell behind and it became complicated. As the game progressed, it was more they opened with destruction and we scored two goals,” he stated regarding the goals scored by Inaki Williams and Nico Serrano.

His team accused 1-0 scored by Marcus in the first half, but Ludogorets did the same with two goals scored by the lions in just one minute. “We all blamed the blows they were giving us, we blamed the first goal, they took two steps back. We made a very quick attack when we got down the middle, the conduction of First Gómez This has been brilliant of you Nico will be marked. We cost each other, but we are happy,” he added.

The young Navarrese player made it 1-2 with a great finish: “He deserves it, he is working well. It is true that he had few options, he had a shoulder problem in the beginning and joined later. This is what we expect from the players, that they are decisive, he deserves it because he looked for it,” he stated.

The truth is that the changes have been very good. Nico Serrano and First Gómez has entered the second phase for Djaló and Galarretta. “Changes are always decided for one thing or another. When the players come out we try to make them stand out, so that the team can improve compared to those who are more tired. “Those who entered are good and we are happy for them because they give it gives them a lot of confidence, it’s important for the team.”

The red and white team achieved its first comeback of the season. Valverde He gave it great importance. “We got three points, we are on top, we are happy.”

Athletic has almost certified the classification for the round of 32. Txingurri prefers game by game. “We have no experience in this competition, we know the points needed to pass. Our intention is to go every day, there are three wins out of four. We’re halfway there, we still have games left against important rivals. Let’s see what’s next.”

Coach also specified Ander Herrerawho had a good chance, and Gorosabel. “Ander He has great drive, he is a player who also has confidence in his arrival because he surprised. He was looking for it, in Mallorca and against Betis he was close to the goal and now too. It’s good because the prize will come to you. He is a player who always comes into games well, with energy. I saw Andoni doing well, it’s true that we struggled to get into the game and adapt to the field,” he explained.

The team has a long journey back, tomorrow it is time to train in Lezama, same as Saturday and then travel in the afternoon to Valladolid to play against the Pucelano team in Liga: “When we arrive at the river, we will cross the bridge. This trip is complicated, tomorrow is a long trip and we have to train, the next day we train and march. We have to pull from all the players, to see how we are, but when you win you always recover better.”