Manuel Pellegrini’s statements
“We created 13 goal approaches and had numerous shots in the first half, but we didn’t convert them.  Then they got stuck in and in six minutes got three goals. Athletic hardly approached us; we dominated practically the whole match but in the end it was decided by their well-timed moves.”
 
“The same thing happened as it did in Granada: we needed many more chances to be able to convert some and the rival did that with fewer.  However, I still remain comfortable with the workings of the team even though we’re not getting the points we need when we play away.”
 
“We had a great game and were superior in the first half, but once you lose you have to think about continuing to work and fighting for every point that remains.  We were certainly not lacking in play, spirit or intensity.”