Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams has called for calm and resilience after his side fell 2-0 to Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League group stage opener at San Mamés.
Despite the defeat, Williams said he was proud of the team’s effort, stressing that the Basque side approached the contest with determination.
“Don’t reflect on the performance in the match because I think we played a good match, we did our best and there are still seven matches left,” he said after the game. “Athletic didn’t come here to enjoy the championship, but to compete. After the goal, our morale dropped. Top-class players spoil the match.”
Bilbao began brightly but were undone by Arsenal’s ruthlessness in front of goal. Williams admitted the first goal proved pivotal, affecting the side’s confidence against a strong Premier League outfit.
The Ghanaian forward, however, remains optimistic with seven group matches still to play, insisting that Athletic can bounce back as they continue their European campaign.
