Athletic finish 10th.

With league form sacrificed for the two cup runs, our final position wasn’t going to matter much this season but the defeat is still disappointing. Since that memorable night against Sporting we’ve failed to win or even score and only avoided defeat once in five games.

Athletic started today’s game at Levante okay, a close and quite open first half saw both sides created chances but neither truly tested the opposition keepers. Just before half-time though Gorka made a rash decision to come out and was lobbed by Abdelkader Ghezzal.

Other results were still in Athletic’s favour though and comeback would seal 6th place. Bielsa threw on Llorente and Javi Martínez and half-time, who were both rested from the start, but little changed.

The hosts missed a great chance to double their lead but soon got their second midway through the second half. Ghezzal again got himself on the scoresheet after some slack defending let Barkero pick out the forward.

The victory – and Levante’s unlikely place in Europe – was confirmed in the dying moments. Amorebieta handled in the box and former Champions League finalist Javier Farinós tucked in the penalty.

This performance, and our recent form, is hardly ideal preparation for the Copa del Rey final in two weeks time but that is a one-off match and will be decided by what happens on the day. Qualifying through the cup as opposed to the league means starting in an earlier round, but if we are hoping for another cup run it shouldn’t be something we are scared of. (Plus, it didn’t do Atléti much harm…)

Meanwhile in La Liga, late goals against Villarreal and for Rayo saw the Yellow Submarine relegated. Clemente’s Sporting also went down with Zaragoza (who seemingly looked doomed a month ago) completing an incredible escape. Another ex-boss, Jokin Caparros, saw his Mallorca side miss out on a European place after a 4-1 defeat in the Bernabeu.

Sunday 13th May 2012 20:00 local time

After the disappointment in Bucharest, the Lions play their final league game of the season.

Obviously with reaching two cup finals but not consistently taking that form into the league, La Liga has fallen down in the list of priorities for Athletic this season. We qualified for Europe in February (by reaching the Copa del Rey final) and fell behind in the top 4 chase, so recent league encounters have been for pride only.

Our opponents however can still complete the most unlikely of seasons. With one of the smallest budgets in the division and widely tipped for relegation, they stunned Spanish football by topping the table early on in the season. The usual suspects (i.e. Madrid and Barcelona) soon reclaimed the top 2 but Levante held their form.

A place in the top 6 would surely only be temporary the experts kept insisting… however Levante are still up there, even if their form has dipped in the past month or so. A quite incredible Champions League place is still possible, though unlikely, but with an Europa League more achievable the Valencian side will be wanting all three points.

Athletic could get as high as 6th with a win but a loss could see them drop as low as 12th. Irrelevant of other results a win will move Athletic above Levante due to the head-to-head records.

The players will still be tired and mentally drained after midweek and normal circumstances would likely see a much changed team for this fixture. However with a two week break until the Cup final Bielsa may decide to play the first team to keep them fresh. It would also boost confidence and morale to come into that game off the back of a victory.

Possible lineup:

Gorka

Iraola – Javi Martínez – Ekiza – Aurtenetxe

Iturraspe

Susaeta – Muniain – De Marcos – Ibai

Llorente

In other news, ex-boss Joaquin Caparrós takes his Mallorca side to the Bernabeu with a chance of clinching an European place. He has guided his team to five league wins in the past six games (with the only defeat coming at San Mamés ), and another against the already crowned Champions would confirm a place in the top six. Good luck Jokin!

Athletic’s dream ends in tears.

Falcao scored in the final last season and did so again as Atléti claimed their second Europa League in three years.

Athletic struggled to get in the game early on and within 7 minutes were behind. Falcao was given too much space and struck a wonderfully hit finish into the top left corner.

It was a nightmare start and thing’s didn’t improve quickly. Passes were frequently misplaced and it seemed the occasion was too big for the young Lions.

Slowly though Athletic found a way back and on 20 minutes Llorente shot just wide. He appeared to scuff the volley and a clean hit may well have seen the ball in the net.

Athletic then managed to have some spells of possession but came up against a solid red and white wall which posed a big danger on the counter. Muniain forced a save from Courtois and De Marcos had a penalty shout after being sandwiched, but it was Atléti who got the second.

Falcao again, this time with a lovely dragback that takes two defenders out before a simple finish. 2-0 and a long way back for our Lions.

At the break Bielsa made two changes with Ibai and Iñigo Perez coming on for Aurtenetxe and Iturraspe. It nearly signalled an instant reply as Muniain forced a clearance which could have been an own goal.

Athletic attacked more and more but faced with a well disciplined defence found it difficult. Passes were still being misplaced and as ideas ran out became increasingly longer.

Toquero replaced Ander on the hour mark as the final throw of the dice and while chances were created their were either blocked by a red and white shirt or spurned.

As the game wore on it felt like it wasn’t going to be our night and this was confirmed with five minutes to go. The ball found Diego on the counter who’s goal sealed both the game and trophy for Atléti. The final whistle signalled tears of sadness from players and fans alike as the club’s long silverware drought continued.

3-0 was possibly an harsh scoreline but Athletic weren’t good enough. It was a poor performance and while against Schalke and Sporting we got away with a slack first half Atléti punished us. The second half got better but the passing and finishing still wasn’t up to scratch.

Atlético deserve credit though. Their defence and tactics were spot on and up front Falcao was excellent. Simeone has transformed the side and look genuine long term top 4 contenders. We were beaten by a better team.

It is also a sad coincidence that we visit the Calderón in two weeks time and will see the European trophy we came so close yet ultimately so far away from today claiming as our own.

Tomorrow, Athletic will contest the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid- it will be a chance for Los Leones to win a trophy for the first time since before I was born.

Athletic last reached this same stage in 1977, losing away to Juventus 1-0 before returning to San Mames and winning 2-1. Of course, the away goals rule prevented Athletic from winning the (then) UEFA Cup. On the other hand, Atletico won the “inaugural” Europa League in 2010.

And so it all comes down to this. Athletic played to an unspectacular goalless draw against Getafe this past weekend, fielding a squad consisting almost entirely of bench players, likely to keep the starters fresh for the final. The squad performed superbly in the Europa League thus far (Jack has already recounted the road to the final in the previous two posts), and Athletic will feel hard done if defeating the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Schalke ends up amounting to nothing.

Athletic have already proven their worth against Atletico this season, but faltered when playing against them in Madrid. Llorente scored a brace in the first match, with Falcao equaling that in the second match; both teams will be looking to their star strikers to provide and this is indeed a match that promises some great attacking football.

The squad is all available for the final, save Amorebieta who will be a game-time decision due to a calf problem. Athletic will wear their green kit with embroidery for the final (I need to buy one of these).

Athletic Call-Ups: Iraizoz, Toquero, Aurtenetxe, Amorebieta, San José, Iturraspe, Llorente, De Marcos, Gabilondo, Raúl, Susaeta, Iraola, Iñigo Pérez, Muniain, Ander Herrera, Ekiza, Javi Martínez, Ibai

Probable XI:

Gorka

Iraola – Javi Martinez – Amorebieta – Aurtenetxe

Iturraspe

Susaeta – Ander – Muniain

Llorente

I wish I had something more profound to say…but I’m too damned excited!

In part one yesterday we recalled how Athletic got to the knockout stages of this season’s Europa League. Here’s what happened next.

In the draw we were paired with Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow and then a possible glamour tie against Manchester United in the next round.

1st Knockout Round

Lokomotiv were a bit of an unknown quantity and like other Eastern European sides not to be underestimated. The conditions in Russia were also a challenge and though Athletic took the lead Lokomotiv fought back to win 2-1. But with an away goal and home advantage in the 2nd leg Athletic were still favourites to progress.

Athletic needed to score in San Mamés but found it tough against a Lokomotiv side intent on holding their aggregate lead. Amorebieta’s red on the hour mark seemed to deal a big blow to the Lions’ European hopes, but Muniain scored quickly after the dismissal. Lokomotiv’s gameplan changed as they searched for a goal but the ten men hung on for a dream tie against Manchester United.

2nd Knockout Round

The game against the previous season’s Champions League finalists was the club’s biggest for years and thousands of Athletizales converged on Manchester. The English club had made hard work of their tie against Ajax and the feeling was that another disinterested showing could see Athletic through. However noone saw what was to happen next.

Bielsa’s side played in Old Trafford with confidence and swagger and despite falling behind to their (full-strength) opponents drew level just before half-time. They then rallied on in the second half and proceeded to outplay a supposedly superior side. Two late goals seemed to seal the tie but an injury time Rooney penalty gave the English Champions a lifeline.

Though outplaying Man United so comprehensively at their own ground was an incredible achievement, arguably the performance at San Mamés was even better. Midway through the first half Llorente took the lead and from then progression was never in doubt. United looked lost at times and when De Marcos doubled the lead it looked merely a question of how many. However as in the first leg De Gea kept the score down and a brilliant Rooney strike gave his side a consolation.

Quarter-finals

Schalke awaited in the 1/4 finals and again an away trip in the 1st leg. This one was much tougher than in Manchester as the German side dominated from the start.

A Llorente goal against the run of play gave Athletic the lead but it was short lived with Raúl equalising a minute later. The former Real Madrid star put his side in the lead after an hour but the Lions defended bravely and had a stunning final 20 minutes which turned the tie on its head. Llorente scored again to level the game, then De Marcos struck and in injury time Muniain clinched a fourth to all but knock the home side out. Schalke may have had reason to feel hard done by but it was another historic European result.

In the home leg the visitors twice took the lead but never looked like getting the three goal victory they needed. Athletic’s run was gaining momentum and only Portuguese side Sporting CP stood between them and the final.

Semi-finals

Sporting were not as illustrious as the previous two opponents but if anything it was a trickier tie.

As in Germany Athletic started slowly but while they took the lead soon after half-time, they looked a shadow of the side that played so brilliantly in the previous rounds. Amorebieta missed a chance to make it 2-0 by hitting the post and Sporting scored twice in four late minutes to take a 2-1 lead to Bilbao. The away goal gave hope but it wouldn’t be easy.

At San Mamés Athletic needed a 1-0 win, as was the case against Lokomotiv, or if they conceded, a two goal victory.

Susaeta scored early on to put the Lions ahead on away goals. Van Wolfswinkel got Sporting their own away goal late in the first half but Ibai soon restored Athletic’s lead on the night and made it all level on aggregate.

The second half saw Athletic go after the goal though conscious that one at the other end would effectively be worth two. But they were not scared and took the initiative to Sporting who increasingly went on the back foot. As the half wore on it seemed that extra-time was imminent before El León Rey Llorente struck. It was too late for Sporting to reply and when the whistle confirmed the club’s place in the final, the striker (who is a world champion remember) broke down in tears.

The club’s incredible run continued as they reached their first European final for 35 years and only the second in the club’s history. The memorable performances made Europe take notice and we’ve gained the hearts of many neutrals. But it isn’t over yet. This side can make history and become the first team in a generation to lift silverware for the club. Fellow Primera side Atlético Madrid stand in our way and will pose a big test, but after the run we’ve had so far it would take a brave man to bet against us.

As Athletic prepare for their first European final in 35 years it seems a long time ago that they started the run to the final.

European Qualification

Last season was the club’s best league performance for seven years as the team finished in the top 6 and secured European football. A win at Racing on the final day confirmed 6th place ahead of Atlético Madrid who had to enter the Europa League in the earlier round (I wonder how they got on…).

Qualifying Round

In the play-off round Athletic were drawn with Turkish side Trabzonspor with the first leg at San Mamés. Despite an early dismissal for the visitors it was to prove a frustrating night as the Turkish side sat back and defended. The Lions created many chances but couldn’t find the breakthrough and it ended 0-0.

Though they hadn’t conceded an away goal the second leg looked far from easy and it was a relief when Athletic went through without having to kick a ball. Fenerbache were kicked out of the Champions League due to the Turkish match fixing scandal and Trabzonspor took their place – putting Athletic straight through to the group stages. The Turkish side re-appeared in the Europa League after finishing 3rd in the Champions League group stage, but went out to PSV Eindhoven.

Group Stage

In the draw for the group stages Athletic were paired with Paris Saint-Germain, Red Bull Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava. The mega-rich French side were expected to top the group, but Athletic still had reasonable expectations to progress from the group.

The first game saw a win in Bratislava and the first under Bielsa. Next up the Parisians came to San Mamés but the Lions gave an excellent performance to win 2-0 in what proved to be a turning point in the season. We’d been struggling the league up to then as the side got to grips with Bielsa’s methods, but after this result and the derby win three days later the wins soon followed.

Matchday 3 proved to be less straightforward however. Up against a stubborn Salzburg defence Athletic were frustrated in attack and conceded twice on the counter. The Lions attacked and attacked in the second half and through two debatable penalties salvaged a draw. PSG’s draw with Slovan in the other game though meant the rojiblancos were still in pole position to progress.

The draw proved to only be a minor setback and qualification from the group was confirmed with a 1-0 win in Austria. Victory against Slovan at San Mamés sealed top spot (and in theory a more favourable draw in the knockout round) and in the final game a much changed side fell to defeat in Paris .

The team had advanced to the knockout stages with relative ease but in recent European campaigns it had all fallen apart in the knockout rounds, would this season be any different?

Madrid deserved the win that clinched their first title for four years but Athletic may feel a little hard done by.

Jose Mourinho’s side were eager to confirm their status as Champions and started out the blocks very quickly. Within the first minute Gorka had to rush out to win the ball and then soon after Madrid had an optimistic penalty shout.

On 11 minutes that had a penalty for real when Javi Martínez handballed. Gorka had never saved a penalty in competitive action for Athletic and Ronaldo had scored 25 odd consecutive penalties before his miss against Munich… but the spot-kick was saved. A quite frankly poor effect that was struck low and central almost hit Gorka more than saved by the keeper.

Los Blancos continued to attack though and soon had their opener. Higuain controlled the ball outside the area before launching a shot into the top corner.

Despite their goal the game was to be no less frantic and Athletic were soon claiming for a penalty of their own. Susaeta’s shot was blocked by Khedira’s arm but only a corner was given. Further replays show the arm was outstretched and Athletic’s appeal was very valid.

It proved to be a turning point as two minutes later Madrid doubled their lead. A squared ball from the right by Ronaldo was finished first time by Ozil. Only 20 minutes in and it was a long way back.

The Lions started to get back in the game but without creating any clear chances and the score remained 2-0 at half-time.

Bielsa made a change at the break with Iraola who surprisingly missed out from the start replacing San José. However it didn’t have the desired impact and the visitors were soon three goals up. Ronaldo headed in from a corner to claim his 44th league goal of the season.

Madrid started to ease off a little and while Athletic were still fighting they created few decent chances. With 18 mins left there was one final moment of controversy which of course again went against Athletic. The ball struck Javi Martínez’s arm and was deemed deliberate despite it being down by his side. A second yellow saw him off for his third dismissal of the season and the Madrid side were confirmed champions.

Wednesday 2nd May 2012 22:00 local time

Athletic are all that stands between Madrid and the league title.

As with the past few league games the points are not needed, but playing Real Madrid is always important. There is also the added factor of the madridistas confirming themselves as champions if they win, a sight the Basque crowd won’t want to see at San Mamés (especially after Madrid refused to let Athletic play the cup final at the Bernabeu).

Numerous times this season Bielsa’s Lions have faced so-called bigger opposition and gave them a tough game. Of course there has been the heroic displays in Europe but domestically too Barça escaped San Mamés with a draw and we also gave today’s visitors an early fright in Madrid.

But Mourinho’s side are fortunate that our league season finished a few weeks ago. Whilst Bielsa will expect 100% from the team we don’t need a result and minds could naturally be on Bucharest. Noone likes to see their opponents win the league at their ground though so that should be a big incentive.

A few players were rested at the weekend’s defeat in Zaragoza, though more through tiredness from the Europa League semi than in preparation for this game. Both Ander and Iturrapse are suspended and Amorebieta will also miss out through injury.

Ibai will likely keep his place after impressing in recent games with Muniain moving to the centre. Iturrapse has been an automatic selection this season in the Makele role so his place will be hard to fill with either Iñigo Perez coming in or Javi Martínez moving from defence. Ekiza should come in for Amorebieta.

Players called: Iraizoz, Toquero, Aurtenetxe, San José, David López, Llorente, De Marcos, Gabilondo, Raúl, Susaeta, Iraola, Iñigo Pérez, Muniain, Ekiza, Javi Martínez, Ibai, Ramalho, Ruiz de Galarreta.

Possible lineup:

Gorka

Iraola – Javi Martínez – Ekiza – Aurtentxe

Iñigo Perez

Susaeta – De Marcos – Muniain – Ibai

Llorente

A much changed side put in a tame performance.

After the unforgettable night at San Mamés on Thursday, Bielsa rested several first team players with Amorebieta, Javi Martínez, Aurtenetxe, Muniain, Susaeta and Llorente all sitting out. Iñigo Perez filled in at left-back, Ibai kept his place in midfield and Igor Gabilondo started his first game for four months.

Athletic started the better side and tested Roberto with two well struck early free-kicks. Zaragoza got into the game though and soon after Helder Postiga hit the post they took the lead. Edu Oriol took the ball from just inside Athletic’s half and kept running, going past two defenders before finishing it off coolly.

Five minutes before half-time De Marcos had a shot cleared off the line but going into the break it remained 1-0. Bielsa made a change – bringing Susaeta on – but within six minutes Zaragoza had a second. A low struck long-range free-kick should have been dealt with easily by Gorka but the experienced goalkeeper let the ball past him.

Both Muniain and Llorente entered in an attempt to rescue the game but the rather average performance continued and were it not for Gorka Zaragoza could have had more.

Athletic move down one place to 7th and the faint Champions League dream is all but gone now. Making changes after the semi-final was not an unwise choice, but surprising as Bielsa almost always keeps the same starting eleven. I did expect the side chosen to play better, especially as they have something to prove, but it does appear show the lack of depth in the squad. Next up is Real Madrid at San Mamés on Wednesday.

Today, I will skip a preview of tomorrow’s match (GASP!) to address some of these rumors and to point out that Athletic may not be totally screwed even if some of the best players leave.

Target: Markel Susaeta
Vultures: ?
Summary: Susaeta has always been a good player, but has matured greatly this season. While very inconsistent under the reign of Joaquin Caparros, Susaeta has appeared in all of Athletic’s matches under Marcelo Bielsa except for one and now has cemented his place as a key player (he’s having a career year). I don’t remember which club(s) I read have interest in him, but his name has been thrown out there.
Will He Leave?: I seriously don’t see Susaeta going anywhere, especially if two or more of the below mentioned players leave.
Replacements: Even if Susaeta were to leave, Athletic should do alright without him. The club still has David Lopez who shouldn’t be going anywhere and Oscar de Marcos, Ibai Gomez, and Igor Martinez can all play a role on the right wing. Alain Eizmendi is having a decent season with Bilbao Athletic and could be called up if need be.

Target: Oscar de Marcos
Vultures: Manchester United
Summary: Like Susaeta, de Marcos is having a breakthrough season. He was bought cheaply from Alaves in 2009 and, while he always showed promise, never quite cemented a spot in the first team. This season, though, he has emerged as a key playmaker for Athletic. On top of some excellent playmaking ability, de Marcos can fill in almost anywhere on the pitch which can make him a useful player to nearly any side. After showing excellent stuff against Manchester United, the club in need of midfielders has apparently taken notice and is interested in tabling a bid this summer.
Will He Leave?: I wouldn’t be surprised if United comes along and steals him, but I think de Marcos will remain with Athletic until at least next January. Even though he has shown some excellent ability, he also can be inconsistent and needs to learn to keep his head up while running with the ball. I don’t see ManU paying big on a midfielder that still has to prove himself a bit more. He’ll be scouted for another season or two before serious bids are put up.
Replacements: Personally, I think Athletic will be able to get on okay without de Marcos’ playmaking skills, but they will miss his utility. He can play all over the midfield and can cover at both full-back positions. Unfortunately, this is uncommon and I don’t know of anybody within the team or outside of it who can do that for Athletic.

Target: Iker Muniain
Vultures: Juventus, Manchester United, Chelsea
Summary: “The Basque Lionel Messi/Wayne Rooney” (depending on who you ask) is only 20 years old, but has been a consistent first-teamer since 2009. He has emerged as a playmaking sparkplug who runs all over the field and draws fouls and can both create and score key goals.
Will He Leave?: If he goes anywhere, it will be Juventus. The big Premier League clubs aren’t the type to spend big on players who are still developing, which Iker most certainly is. Juve, on the other hand, are working on re-establishing themselves as a top Italian side and could use Muniain as a centerpiece of that rebuilding effort. Still, I believe Muniain will remain for at least a season and a half before leaving, as other clubs continue to monitor his development.
Replacements: Like de Marcos, there isn’t really anybody who can fit in to Muniain’s role and he is the type of player that only comes around once a generation. If de Marcos and Ander Herrera remain, Athletic should be able to at least make do without Muniain. If Ibai continues to impress, he may also be a good replacement.

Target: Javi Martinez
Vultures: Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona, Arsenal
Summary: I would argue that Fernando Llorente and JaviMar are Athletic’s two most invaluable players. Martinez is an excellent all-round midfielder, capable of playing deep and winning the ball or moving up and creating attacks. He has even been used this season as a ball-playing central defender this season and, while his midfield presence was lacking, he has done a decent job in his new role.
Will He Leave?: JaviMar has been the object of speculation for a few seasons now, and may well be exiting Athletic this season. While the heaviest speculation has been linking him to the two Manchester clubs, I would see Arsenal as the most likely destination. While JaviMar will cost big money and Arsene Wenger usually spends frugally, he will shell out the money for a Patrick Vieira-esque midfielder, especially if Robin Van Persie departs.
Replacements: There is no perfect replacement for Javi Martinez. Period. However, a few players that Athletic already has should be able to fill in. Ander Iturraspe lacks the overall ability of his counterpart, but can still do well if paired with a midfield playmaker. Inigo Perez is a competent ball winner and could prove himself if the opportunity were to arise. There are also two young midfielders waiting for a chance in the first-team: Galder Cerrajera and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta. The latter may well turn into a comparable player. Or, Athletic could always bring Benat back from Betis.

Target: Ander Herrera
Vultures: Manchester United, Manchester City
Summary: I had been hoping Athletic would bring over the Bilbao-born playmaker for some time before he was purchased last season (he arrived in the summer, though). He is the first big-money (by Athletic standards) signing in recent memory and has proven that he is worth the money. Ander has contributed a Xavi-esque presence to Athletic’s midfield and was one of the players to catch the eye of Manchester United during the Europa matches against them.
Will He Leave?: He only just got here, so I don’t think so. Also, like de Marcos, he has shown flashes of inconsistency, so I really don’t think a big club will pay the cash that Athletic will demand for an incomplete product. Well, maybe Manchester City will, but would Ander be able to earn playing time there??
Replacements: Re-read the replacements section under Javi Martinez and Oscar de Marcos.

Target: Fernando Llorente
Vultures: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Sunderland
Summary: If I need to say anything about this player, you obviously don’t follow Athletic Club or this blog much, do you?
Will He Leave?: Everybody in England seems to think so. His style is that of a classic English #9, but I think most of the English media’s speculation is just because the English like to think that they’re the only ones entitled to good players and why would Fernando Llorente even want to play for a mid-table provincial club in a league dominated by only two teams? England, I know you were probably drooling when you saw Llorente score the game-winning goal against Sporting. You were probably so busy dreaming of him being there when your team played Basel or PAOK or Bayern/Napoli or just so unhappy that Andy Carroll can’t be as good that you missed Llorente’s reaction to scoring. The big man was on the verge of tears. He didn’t even have that kind of reaction when he won the World Cup with Spain. Llorente is happy here, he loves the club, and everybody knows that Los Leones are quite possibly on the verge of accomplishing great things. Shit, you could say that about damn near every player mentioned above (Ander and Muniain had similar reactions to winning as Llorente), so maybe this whole post is pointless. Llorente won’t leave for at least two seasons. Mainly because of the massive price Athletic will ask, but he may go if he has an outstanding showing for Spain in the 2012 Euros.
Replacements: If Llorente leaves, there is no true #9 in the current team. Toquero can cover there, but isn’t a lethal goalscorer. Iker Muniain could be moved into a striker role, but Athletic would likely miss his creativity and all-over style. Athletic could bring back Urko Vera, but he probably wouldn’t do well unless a pacey striker (Muniain?) were paired with him up front. The best option out of the box would probably be Aritz Aduriz, but nobody can truly replace Llorente. Lezama has produced Guillermo Fernandez and Mikel Zaton, but neither seem quite ready for the first-team. Plus, Liverpool may already be snapping up Zaton.

Conclusion:

Don’t be scared, Athletizales, there shouldn’t be major changes to our team. Maybe one or two of those previously mentioned will leave, but Athletic have the means to replace them. Also, with our creative manager, you never quite know what tricks are up the team’s sleeve. If there are any rumors you want to weigh in on or you know of possible replacements that I have missed, leave a comment!

Oh, but hey there world of football! Glad you’ve finally noticed! I’m pretty sure Athletizales have known we support a talented club for a long time (but that is probably a rant for another day).