GARCÍA PIMIENTA: "WE WERE PUNISHED BY A COSTLY ERROR, IT IS A TOUGH ONE TO TAKE"

Xavi García Pimienta spoke to the media following a painful defeat in Butarque. He stated, "Overall we played fairly well, both in defence and attack, winning duels over the pitch. This is a tricky place to come against a very well-drilled side. I felt that we improved throughout the match, but we were punished by a costly error, and that is a real shame. It was an unforced error in a dangerous area that we cannot afford to repeat. Last week we also conceded a penalty, it's costing us games. I know the boys are working very hard, but we can't keep making these types of mistake."

Speaking specifically about the penalty, he said, "I've watched the replay and I'm convinced the striker wouldn't have reached the ball. But in that scenario you instinctively try to make amends for your mistake. These things happen, we have many young players and sometimes you can tell. Two bad mistakes have cost us two penalties and two matches, and the red card today. I do feel sorry for the fans who have travelled to be here with us today, spurring us on. In LaLiga you get punished for making these mistakes. They were under pressure, just waiting for an opportunity. What annoys me is that we gifted them that opportunity."

"What annoys me is that we gifted them that opportunity"

Looking forward to the international break, García Pimienta said, "Several players will go away with their national sides so we won't be together for a little while. It's a shame because we were doing things well as a team. However we struggled to get the goals we needed for victory. At least you can accept the defeat if your opponent deserves the win, but to give it to them is frustrating. However we won't blame individuals, during other games it will be different players. But we have to stick together and help each other."