García Pimienta: "The team defended with grit, attitude, and a lot of commitment."
The coach commented on the last foul of the game, stating, "I cannot give an opinion because I haven't seen the foul. I haven't seen it replayed on television."
García Pimienta appeared in the press room at San Mamés Stadium after the defeat against Athletic Club (1-0). He emphasized about the team, "We came to the new San Mamés facing a great team like Athletic. When we could, we had possession, when possible, we counterattacked, when we could, we created dangerous situations. The team defended with grit, attitude, and a lot of commitment."
Here are some of his statements:
"I also cannot comment on Marvin's penalty because I haven't seen it. The referee saw a penalty live, that's why he awarded it, but it was overturned by VAR. I understand if VAR intervened, it's because there wasn't a penalty, but I cannot comment because I haven't seen it."
"This is a team, there are no starting or substitute players here. Those who play are my decision; the team always comes first. The team came out with all the attitude in the world to get something positive here at San Mamés."
"Athletic had their chances, and I believe we did too. I'm very proud of the work; it hurts that after all the effort, we didn't take a point; the guys deserved it."
"I take note that the referee saw a penalty, he called it very quickly, very easily because he saw it. I haven't spoken to him, whether it's a penalty or not, we'll see on TV, but the referee rescinded it after review, and we can't do anything about it."
"The team doesn't back down against any opponent, competes against anyone, in any stadium, home or away; this is what makes me proudest."