Valencia, Jan 26 (EFE).- The Athletic coach, Ernesto Valverde, explained this Thursday, after the victory against Valencia (1-3) in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, that they are aware of what the tournament means for him Bilbao club and for San Mamés and that they are happy for a pass to the semifinals that they described as “important”.
«What I liked the most has been the packaging that we have had at a time when with the 1-2 there is nothing won in this field. We have had personality to dominate the game. Coming to Mestalla and winning has a lot of merit, they are a great team and there is great pressure,” he said at a press conference.
The Athletic coach analyzed: “At the start it was a little difficult for both teams to take the initiative, you saw both teams wary that any loss could mean a goal, but in the second half we dominated the game, we got higher, to think about the push of the rival. It was a good game, we were right with the finish and we are very happy because it means a lot for our club and our fans”.
“This pass endorses what has been done this season and we are happy because we have fought this competition since it began,” added Valverde, who, about Valencia and playing at Mestalla, said: “Valencianism is a hobby that gives you a lot, but that it is also demanding. Valencia was in a difficult situation and the fact that people whistled did not benefit them, but the public was immediately hooked. He came convinced that we were going to suffer a lot.