Jose Angel Ziganda blamed Athletic Bilbao’s giant-killing defeat to third-tier Formentera on ‘anxiety’ but refused to apologise for the result.
Formentera went into their Copa del Rey last-32 second leg at Athletic just three points above the relegation zone in Segunda B, yet Alvaro Muniz’s last-ditch goal from a corner sensationally knocked out the Basques.
“That’s football,” the Coach said after the game.
“Without it being a great match or there being much rhythm, we had more than enough chances to score a goal.
“The anxiety of that urgency, winning, made us lack precision, and, in the end, we lost to a set-piece. It was a very tough pill to swallow.
“They practically never came close to our goal, but we knew it’d be the case because they play in Segunda B.
“They positioned themselves well, that was their game and it went well for them.
“We paid the price for not scoring and we have no choice but to accept it and prepare for what’s next.
“Bad dynamics? We ended the game without winning or putting in a complete performance, those things being the tonic we need.
“Real Madrid next? There’s no other choice but to get back up, we’re professionals. If it’s not for ourselves, it’s for the club. There’s no other remedy.”
Athletic are also without a win in five Liga matches and host champions Real Madrid in their next game on Saturday.
