Iñaki Williams issued an apology to Athletic fans late on Friday, accepting his share of blame for a poor season and backing his team-mates. The player said in a post that the squad have worked every day with heart.
His contrition followed Wednesday’s defeat by Espanyol. Williams said the team have suffered but learned, and that the dressing room understands the discontent, adding that supporters are free to express it.
He acknowledged Athletic’s demands and appealed for support at San Mamés. He believes they still have a chance to fight for Europe.
It has been a difficult campaign for the forward, with three goals and four assists in 37 games, 31 of them starts. His last contribution came on 28 February in the 1-1 draw at Rayo in Vallecas, and he has gone three months without adding to that tally.
In the run-in Athletic have taken nine of 30 points, a stark contrast to last season’s 70 points and only six defeats. They have lost 18 of 36 in La Liga, a tally matched by bottom club and relegated Oviedo.
Valverde admitted his concern was very high after the loss in Cornellà. Real Sociedad’s draw in Girona on Thursday sealed Athletic’s survival. With two games left they are ninth on 44 points, one behind La Real in eighth, which leads to the Conference League.