Ernesto Valverde admits he has mixed feelings about Athletic Bilbao's 1-0 victory over Zilina in the Europa League playoffs on Thursday.
Los Leones have joined Villarreal in Friday's draw for the group stage thanks to Gorka Elustondo's winner at San Mames, which earned them an away-goal scalp over the Slovakians, but the Coach – while happy about their progression – insists his side should have made easier work of the tie.
“[Although I'm happy with the result], we should have resolved the tie before the [second leg] and when we did,” he said after the game.
“There was more uncertainty because we always risked the misfortune of conceding a goal.
“We had chances but we didn't take them, and we were under pressure not to make any mistakes [as a result].
“[Elustondo] had a great game and I'm very happy for him because he was very involved in the match. He'll help the team.
“[Markel Susaeta] had a good game. I'm delighted that chances fell to him, even if he failed to take them.
“He gives us intensity and space to play in. He's not a goalscorer but one of our best passers. I only worry when my players don't get themselves involved.
“I expect the team to recover well for Ipurua on Sunday, which is the last of six games in 16 days.
“We still have to tighten up because we lost to Barca and the League obliges us to try to win.
“[Eibar] will be a difficult game because they're in a state of euphoria and it's a derby.
“It's true that [the start of the season] has been tight, but we knew what it was going to be like during pre-season and we're not in a bad spell at the moment.
“We've just won a trophy and qualified for the [Europa League] group stage, so I'm happy.”
