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UEFA Champions League: Athletic Bilbao struggles concern coach Ernesto Valverde

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde reacts after a UEFA Champions League group H football match at Bate Borisov
Image: Ernesto Valverde: Frustrated by 2-1 defeat to BATE

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde has admitted he is worried about his team's poor run of form.

The Basque outfit have not won a game since August 31 and lost 2-1 at BATE Borisov on Tuesday, a result that complicates Athletic's chances of reaching the knock-out round of the Champions League.

"We had the wrong approach to the game," Valverde said to www.marca.com. "They were much better than us and deserved the win.

"We showed more intensity after the restart but our performance in the opening half leaves me with a bad taste.

"We have taken a big step back, without a doubt."

Bate Borisovs Denis Polyakov (R) celebrates a goal past Athletic Bilbaos goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz (L) on September 30, 2014 during ar UEFA Champions League
Image: Polyakov: Scored for BATE on Tuesday

Athletic drew 0-0 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk in their Group H opener and had gone into the encounter in Belarus looking to put behind them their dismal start in La Liga.

Valverde's men have collected just four points in the opening six league games and are 16th in the standings.

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"It has been a long time since we last played such a bad game," Valverde said. "Before this match, we had some problems in terms of play but at least we showed character and determination.

"However, I am worried because against BATE we had no option.

"We didn't go into the game with the confidence that we could win it.

"We must react because we know that what is coming up next is very hard and we all need to be in good condition."

Athletic travel to the Bernabeu stadium to face Real Madrid on Sunday.

Los Leones return to European competition on October 20 when they take on FC Porto in Portugal.

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