Ernesto Valverde admitted Athletic Bilbao’s win over Almeria wasn’t pretty but insisted he didn’t mind since it delivered three points.
Athletic won thanks to a goal from Xabier Etxeita for their first victory in any competition since late August.
Valverde said after the match that it wasn’t a particularly good game but that was to be expected considering the position of the teams.
“It was hard work, typical of two teams who are down towards the bottom of the table,” he said, AS reports.
“We were better in the second half and we scored the goal. We had to suffer to hold on to the lead.
“In our situation we have learned to suffer and the victory was necessary. We’ve played brilliant games in the past but that didn’t get the win today.
“When you’re on a losing streak it’s important and difficult to break the dynamic. It was an ugly game with little football from either team.
“Results give us peace of mind and it was a necessary result. I hope it’s a turning point.”
