‘Europe talk disrespectful to Athletic’

Javi Gracia refused to discuss Malaga’s chances of Europa League football next season, despite Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Almeria in La Liga.

The Andalucians recorded a much-needed win at Mediterraneos, but the Coach felt talk of Europe via seventh place showed a “great lack of respect” for Athletic Bilbao, who are due to face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on May 30.

“The match was very important for both teams, as seen in its development,” he said after the game.

“After the results of the day before, we had a chance of returning to seventh place, which we’ve occupied all season and now want to hold onto because we can no longer reach sixth.

“People have discussed seventh and qualifying for Europe a lot, but it shows a great lack of respect for Athletic [Bilbao], who still have [the Copa del Rey] final to play, and from there we’ll see if seventh place results in Europe or not.

“There were situations in the match that could have changed the score.”

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