Athletic Club’s Draw Against Slavia Prague: A Tactical Review

Athletic Club was unable to secure a victory, settling for a draw against Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic. The team demonstrated initiative throughout various phases of the match but ultimately could not convert their efforts into goals. This outcome complicates their chances of advancing in the competition, as they face crucial matches in the remaining three fixtures. Coach Ernesto Valverde provided insights regarding the draw and the team’s current standing in the prestigious continental tournament.

**Match Analysis:** “The match was fiercely contested, as we had anticipated. We understood the importance of being strong during duels, as any loose ball could pose a threat. We aimed to apply pressure higher up the pitch and created opportunities, notably with attempts from Sancet and Navarro. In the second half, our performance improved, but the game eventually slowed down. We had moments where we were in control.”

**Assessment of the Draw:** “We must view this result positively, considering the competitive nature of the match. We still have room to maneuver. Losing here would have been a heavy blow to our morale. We had chances to secure a challenging win, and I believe we leave with encouraging feelings. In the Champions League, nothing comes easy, and we must keep pushing forward.”

**Substitutions:** “With substitutions, we always aim to inject more physicality into the game, as players begin to fatigue. In our case, we wanted to maintain our freshness, and I felt that the changes would help us secure additional clear opportunities to win. However, as the game progressed, it became more fragmented, which did not favor us.”

**Explanation of Yellow Card:** “I received a yellow card for protesting; given the cold conditions, it was necessary to express my frustration to stay warm.”

**Calculating Progression to the Next Round:** “The calculations are straightforward; overthinking our needs can be counterproductive. Our goal is to advance, and we recognize our current deficits. Now, we need to focus on the upcoming match against PSG, which we know will be challenging.”

**Selton’s Development:** “Every time he touches the ball, it feels like something may happen. He is young and needs to strengthen, which is not an overnight process. It’s about accumulating minutes and building his endurance. The aim is for him to grow stronger as the competition progresses.”

**Areso’s Adaptation:** “I always seek the positives in my players. He is a forward-thinking player and needs to adapt to our style of play. He is particularly focused on improving his defensive aspect, and we are assisting him in that regard.”

**Unai Gómez’s Versatility:** “For me, Unai Gómez is fully capable of playing as a forward; he consistently contributes in that role. He makes runs and arrives well, and I was aware that I could also deploy him on the flank if necessary.”