Juan Antonio Pizzi has said he is ashamed of Valencia’s first-half performance in the 3-0 Europa League defeat to Basel.
A Matias Delgado brace and a late goal from Valentin Stocker gave the Swiss side a commanding victory in the quarter-final first-leg, played in front of an empty stadium after Basel’s St. Jakob Park was closed due to crowd trouble in the previous round.
Pizzi told a post-match Press conference that he was at a loss to explain a first 45 minutes that saw Los Che concede twice.
He added that as Coach, the blame for the result ultimately rests with him.
“There is no explanation for how we played. I ashamed of our first-half,” Pizzi said.
“I’m responsible. I don’t understand why we went that way and didn’t play in the first-half like we did in the second.
“At half-time all we did was correct what was wrong because we didn’t do anything right in the first-half.
“It’s my responsibility to find the balance in intensity. I’m aware that we can’t have these ups and downs.
“Nobody is responsible on their own, neither the Coach nor the players. They must be self-critical.”
Pizzi was asked if Valencia had any hope of reaching the semi-final after this crushing first-leg defeat.
“I didn’t think the game with Ludogorets was over and I don’t think this one is, but it will be difficult,” Pizzi conceded.
“We will do everything possible to get through in this tie.”
