Athletic left with only an apology after Supercopa blow | OneFootball

Athletic returned from Jeddah intent on halting their Supercopa slump, with senior players accepting the display cannot be repeated and that fans deserve an apology.

Per as.com, Oihan Sancet called for self-criticism after hitting the post, and the pain of trips to Barcelona felt prolonged in Jeddah. After three straight corners, Athletic lost balance and were picked off in transition, despite Ernesto Valverde asking his side to stay compact.

Iñaki Williams said they fell short and owed apologies to those who travelled and those watching at home.

The captain, recently a new father, noted the squad is largely unchanged and that confidence is about dynamics. He said they need a game to spark belief, but it has not arrived. He had criticised going to Arabia, then softened it at Valverde’s suggestion, and recently let slip the word “mierda”.

Dani Vivian fronted up, dejected, and repeated the apology. He felt Barcelona were extremely clinical in a competition offering a two-game route to a trophy, and said analysis was difficult in the heat of defeat.

He said the first 10 minutes were good, then the rhythm dipped and their shape failed too often. He argued there was no foul for the 1-0 and recalled they were the league’s least breached defence last season.

Vivian accepted they are short in attack and defence, but stressed the season is long. He said there is no time for lament, that they will recover, and urged fans to keep faith in their potential.

Source: as.com