Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa has denied he has a problem with star striker Fernando Llorente.
Speaking before Thursday’s Europa League qualifier with Croatian side Slaven Belupo at San Mames, the Argentine described as ´inaccurate` recent rumours that he had fallen out with the Spanish international over the signing of his new contract.
“This is a matter that concerns only two parts, the footballer and the institution.
“There have been some inaccurate things said which were possibly a misunderstanding,” Bielsa told a Press conference, his first since July 5 when he criticised work being done at the club’s Lezama training facility.
Llorente is still stalling on a new contract with reported interest from a host of clubs, including Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, but Bielsa was keen to play down the issue.
“I thought it was prudent to remain silent and that’s all I want to say as I prefer not to talk about it.
“We are starting our Europa League campaign and it is fitting I only express myself through what my football team produces. That is the most important part of my job.”
