Ernesto Valverde reacts after Nico Williams is greeted by roar of hostility at Camp Nou – ‘He dealt with it with success’ | OneFootball

Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde did not hide from the truth after his team’s disappointing night at the newly reopened Spotify Camp Nou. 

Although he acknowledged Barcelona’s clear dominance, he also felt his players deserved credit for their first-half showing before the game slipped out of their control. 

Speaking shortly after full-time, Valverde broke down the match and provided a clear explanation of what went wrong. 

“After going down 1-0, we recovered and had chances to equalise. The game was open, but then a series of setbacks hit: the 2-0, the goal at the start of the second half, and the sending-off. 

“Everything that happened just got worse. Our tackles in both halves were too weak, and these teams don’t forgive mistakes. 

“We didn’t take our chances; I don’t have much else to say. We suffered until the very end.”

Camp Nou targeting Nico Williams

Another major talking point of the night was the reception given to Nico Williams. 

The winger was met with loud whistles every time he touched the ball, a reaction tied to Barcelona’s failed attempts to sign him during the last two summer windows. 

Valverde reflected on the hostilities faced by Nico Williams. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Valverde did not shy away from the subject. When asked about the persistent boos, he calmly offered his view and explained how he felt the player handled the pressure before saying, 

“People can express themselves however they see fit. They booed him every time he touched the ball, and he dealt with it with varying degrees of success. He had a chance to score. 

“These are situations players have to face throughout their careers. 

“You have to face it with composure; in these cases, it’s better to ask for the ball and be bold, which I think he did.”

Athletic Club veteran’s take

After Valverde’s remarks, more reaction came from inside the Athletic dressing room. 

Midfielder Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, one of the experienced figures in the squad, gave his own assessment when asked about the pressure Nico Williams had been under. 

“I was expecting this atmosphere, and I saw him calm,” he said.

For Athletic Club, the night was full of frustration, but also recognition that Barcelona’s ruthlessness made the difference.