Bielsa baffled by Athletic

Marcelo Bielsa admits that Athletic Bilbao deserved to be eliminated from the Copa del Rey, even if he cannot explain how it happened.

A 1-1 draw at home to Segunda Division B outfit and local rivals Eibar was enough for the minnows to progress on away goals, after the 0-0 first leg result from this Round of 32 match.

“It was not an unjustified elimination. I cannot offer arguments to explain the reality that faces us. But, I take responsibility, even if I cannot explain it,” Bielsa told reporters afterwards.

“You cannot explain the inexplicable. We had to have qualified, following on from the result in the first leg and against a team in a division below ours.

“There is no way to justify it. To face this situation I must analyse the game. It’s annoying even for me.

“After what we had offered, I think being eliminated in our stadium against a lower division team after a score from the first leg that made the game accessible for us… to confront that reality I cannot think of any explanation.

“Arguments, even if they are true, are irritating, because all they do is distort reality. I am sad and unfit to offer explanations, any of which would bother the recipients.”

Tags Bielsa
La Liga - Club News