Girona star Claudio Echeverri says he did step on Jules Kounde before Fran Beltran scored a late winner for Michel’s side against Barcelona on Monday night.
Barcelona were left fuming that the goal was allowed to stand, and Echeverri has now given his version of events after watching the replay.
“Yes, I stepped on Koundé’s foot, but I was running at speed and didn’t do it on purpose,” he told El Chiringuito. He went on to add: “If the referee had given it as a foul, I would have understood.”
Echeverri’s
words will do little to lighten Barcelona’s mood after another tough night for Hansi Flick’s side and a result that means they miss the chance to return to the top of the table.
Flick confirmed afterwards he would give his side two days off but then wants to see them fight for the title.
“Everyone is disappointed. We will fight. We have time to come back now in the next two weeks with no midweek games,” he said.
“We will train good and come back for Sunday. Now we have to fight and attack the first place in the table.”
