Miroslav Djukic saw his Valencia side’s winning run brought to an end in Week 8, but his enthusiasm for their work remains.
Los Che took the lead on Sunday evening thanks to Ever Banega’s penalty just before the half-time break, before Mikel Rico ensured hosts Athletic Bilbao a point midway through the second half.
“I’m thrilled, particularly by the image,” enthused Djukic post-match.
“We have worked very well. in defence, we have covered the spaces and then we have created opportunities. I’m happy with the team.
“It was an intense game played between two teams playing very good football.
“The pity is that, after 20 minutes that were very good, in the second half, we have seen Athletic with two strikers able to pull us back.
“The team played very fast and the work has been enormous both in defence and attack.
“I am delighted by the reaction the team has had in recent weeks. This was a difficult game because we had played on the Thursday before and had had many hours of travel.
“Before the game I told the team only to be brave and that if you do not play here, Los Leones [the lions] will eat.
“The team dared and we took a point that is very important because this ground is difficult. I liked our intensity.”
