Pepelu: "We leave here sad, because we wanted to dedicate a win to the fans"

Pepelu spoke to VCF Media after the 1-2 defeat to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey at Mestalla.

NO REWARD FOR THEIR EFFORTS

“It came down a series of mistakes at the end. Knowing there was extra time coming up, we can't manage the game like that. We're leaving here very sad because we wanted to dedicate a win to the fans.”

LEARNING

“In the end, it comes down to details. I think we had a good first half, but we struggled more in the second. In the final stages of the game, we should have at least ensured that we made it into extra time. We didn't manage things well, and we have to learn from that.”

THANKING THE FANS

“We are very sad. We understand the fans. There were high expectations for the Copa del Rey. We knew the fans were fully behind us. We apologise for not going through, and thank them for everything they do for us -from the welcome they gave us to the support we had during the match. We have to pick ourselves up and keep going.”

THE NEXT GAME AGAINST REAL MADRID

“There’s no other option than to move on. This is football. When you fall down, you have to get back up. Now we have to focus on Sunday, which will be a very demanding match. We want to repay the fans for their support and encouragement by trying to get the win, and they can be sure that we’re going for it.”