Ernesto Valverde said he left nothing to chance in Athletic Bilbao’s 6-0 second leg Copa del Rey win over lower league opponents Linense.
The Basques held a 2-0 lead from the first leg but Valverde insisted that that he selected a strong team on the night as there was always the potential for an upset.
“I have great respect for this competition and want to continue in it, but I have had many scares in the Cup so I chose the team I thought best,” he told a Press conference.
“When Javier Eraso scored the second four minutes after the break we were able to relax and it became easier. In the end we were able to qualify for the next round without suffering and victory will do us good for the visit of Levante on Sunday, so we’ll try to go into Christmas with a smile.”
Valverde says he is happy to have Inaki Williams available against La Liga’s bottom club this weekend after it was revealed the striker could have been called up for possible table duty in the general elections next weekend.
“We knew it was a possibility so we put it in the hands of the club and the player. In the end we found a solution.
“Everyone has a duty as a citizen but it’s important for us to be able to count on Inaki for this match,” he explained.
