Athletic Club will miss playing in the Europa League final in San Mames after losing 3-0 to Manchester United in the first stage of their semi-final draw. Los Leones had hoped that it would not be their last game in the competition of this season in their home stadium, but apart from a wonderful comeback, it will be.
According to Diario As, athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde gave his assessment of the competition. He admitted that Man United was simply more relentless than his side.
“We did not manage the first goal, that tension. And sending and the fine conditioned the game. We were good when it was 11 V 11 and we had opportunities, but we did not score them. When they beat you 0-3 means they have been successful and we have not, in the opportunities that have not learned from things like this.”
Valverde also spoke at the game changing moment, when the red card was by Dani Vivian, who was in the same phase as the second goal of Man United. In his eyes it was the wrong decision to show red.
“We protested against an earlier handball, of which I think the referee was awarded, the piece went on and I thought the penalty was a clearer handball (from Garnacho). It was too much punishment not for the 0-2, but for playing without Vivian with 10 men.
“The mistake on Sannadi was a mistake, but I don't know if I should have been a red card or not.”
Valverde also gave his opinion about next week's second stage in Old Trafford, and admitted that he will not give up to reach the Europa League final.
“It is clear that we have received a very bad result, but we have to play for the comeback. We are not going to give up not knowing that we have a very detrimental result.”