Bilbao ‘unrecognisable’ says Valverde

Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde described his team as ‘unrecognisable’ following the 2-1 Champions League defeat to BATE Borisov.

Denis Polyakov and Aleksandr Karnitski scored for the home side with Aritz Aduriz on target for Los Leones, but the Basques were unable to grab an equaliser and now find themselves bottom of Group H with just one point.

“We were a team that was unrecognisable. BATE had much more intensity and were superior,” Valverde admitted to reporters post-match.

“This was a step backwards. Up until now we’ve always had options. Today we had nothing. It’s a long time since I’ve seen us play so badly.

“If there is no intensity then your opponents win all the tackles, the second balls, and hit you on the counter-attack. That undermines morale.

“Our team is only able to play at 100 per cent and it has cost us for so many games in a row. However, I am the one who is responsible,” he declared.

Tags BATE Borisov Valverde
La Liga - Club News