Ernesto Valverde reveals why he played Nico Williams less than he should have. Because he wanted to be careful as the football player had little time to prepare.
Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde has revealed the reason. He chose to play Nico Williams for the final 18 minutes of their 1-1 draw with Getafe. As a precaution after the 22-year-old forward had little time to train, Marca reported on Friday. UFABET
Nico returned to pre-season training later than many players. After being given time off to recover after Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, leaving Valverde with a substitute appearance for Thursday’s season-opener at Getafe.
Athletic Bilbao started well when Oian Sancet scored to give the Basque side a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute. But Getafe equalised in the 64th minute through Nigerian striker Cristianas Uche. Before Valverde brought on Nico for Alex Berenger in the 72nd minute. Although the 22-year-old forward helped spark the attacking game to some extent. It was not good enough to lead his team to victory.
Asked why he chose to play Nico for less than 20 minutes in the season opener against Azulon, Valverde explained: ‘I didn’t want to play him too much as a precaution.’
Nico has been linked with a move to Barcelona throughout the summer. With the Blaugrana publicly announcing they are prepared to pay his €58m release clause. Although the 22-year-old is yet to officially confirm whether he will remain at the Basque Country club.