ANDhe crossing of Los Cármenes left Marcelino touched, who considered a clear opportunity lost. The first analysis of the match was blunt: “We had control and command of the match, perhaps we lacked depth. It was making the mistake, which was big, and from then on we lost order and criteria. We gave them options to get the second. Then after the break we were also insecure and only in the final stretch we show options of victory. We had to have shown more to win here when the rival is at stake in the category and I want to congratulate Granada for it”
One step behind Granada
“We didn’t have the ability to react until the final stretch. The second half the team was not able to rejoin at the beginning of the first. We didn’t have depth, we lost position in the field, there was little criteria when it came to attacking space and winning duels, and behind we had losses. In the final section we squeeze, we throw a stick, there was an obvious play in which I find it hard to believe that the referee and VAR did not see it as a penalty….but you have to analyze the game as a whole and Granada did more merit“.
The sensation of more intensity of Granada
“I have already said that we started well and won many duels, almost always playing in the opposite field without having problems and having superiority chances, then a center that tells me that there was a clearance with the hand. My perception was that we were in control of the game, but the mistake took us out of it. Only in the final outburst were we able to try to equalize and we didn’t get it. But I insist, if you want to play in Europe you have to do more things.”
The fight for Europe
“As long as there are mathematical options, they cannot be ruled out. We had a favorable situation but of six possible points we have only made one. So it is difficult for us to achieve that place because we play against very important rivals. To get to Europe you have to play a much better game. If it were like the one we played against Valencia, there’s nothing to object to, but we haven’t performed at our best level”.
The importance of Inaki Williams
“The numbers say so. For me it is very important at Athletic. Our decision-making throughout all this time says that he is a very important footballer for us and will continue to be.”
