My grandmother would have done more vs Sevilla. This team lacks confidence. The Basques lack the will to attack and take chances. There’s no cohesion nor a belief in the team or themselves. I blame President Macua and Caparrós. Our transfer business was abysmal to say the least. Why oh why would you get rid of Aduriz and stack all the pressure on Llorente, Velez and Extebe? Extebe is getting older and injury prone and Velez is too rough around the edges. We needed to open the bank for one quality Vasco, but no. So we do our best with players, new to la Primera, who are having a difficult time cutting it. And now midfielder Javi Martinez is injured and will be out for a month. ARGH!!

Next up is an on fire Barça in San Mamés. It looks rather bleak. Too many pre-season games have taken their toll. The purpose of pre-season is to build form and fitness. Frankly, I don’t see either right now. Can we get a point at home? Can we call up the rivalry and animosity that normally festers when we face the Cataláns? Well we oughta be starting something and fast or we need a new leader to lead the team and the club. How long can we endure the suffering before the levee breaks? Maybe until Xmas.

Let’s hope that last week’s thrashing was a rude awakening. Let’s also hope that there are three other teams that are worse than Los Leónes. We’ve got to take each game one by one, but the fans and players are feeling very low. We were supposed to build on last year’s success. We were supposed to solidify our position in the league and challenge for the Copa Del Rey and possibly Europe. Well time to get pragmatic and grind out the results. The future is now.

El Gallo, translated by yours truly, from the official press conference:

My dream has always been to play for 15 years with Athletic. I will play my last professional year free, as a thank you to the club and all that it has give to me. My years with Athletic have been great for me and my family. It’s not a question of football, Athletic has changed my life. My daughter is Bilbaína and I will continue living in Bilbao. I am not trying to set a precedent. We are in a professional world and everyone should be able to defend their rights and contracts. For me this is a personal gesture, nothing more. (When asked about his future) I would like to coach at the club is some capacity, but I have not had discussions yet with the club.

What a class act! In the modern day, who would have believed such a gesture? I’m speechless.

Ex-Athletic Players Taking the UEFA Cup by Storm!

In other news, kudos to ex-Athletic Goal Keeper, Aranzubia with 3 fine saves in the UEFA Cup penalty shoot out. Deportivo La Coruña beat Bergen Brann and has advanced to the next round. Nail biting stuff!

Kudos also to ex-Athletic Left Back, Asier Del Horno, who equalized against Marítimo and helped advance Valencia to the next round, in the UEFA cup. Quality strike!

January Transfer Window Rumors

Athletic is still circling about La Real Sociedad’s Iñigo Diaz de Cerio. A 24 year old striker to boost up the goals??? We shall see.

Onwards to our Big Club Run… First Rival Sevilla… Frente Athletic!

Caparrós decided to tinker in the midfield and change the line up that drew against Recreativo midweek. In came Orbaiz, Gabilondo, and Yeste. On the bench sat Javi Martinez, Susaeta and Gurpegi. Yeste and Orbaiz both had terrific games, clinical passing and distribution by both mids. Athletic didn’t just rely on the high balls, they played the game on the ground and creative numerous opportunities.

I really felt optimistic that we were going to take all 3 points. Yes, I sound like a broken record. We had countless shots on goals, oh, ever so close, which is why the result is so painful. Getafe’s goal keeper, Jacobo was on form. He had some tremendous saves, especially on set pieces. How did that not go in??? Credit to Jacobo, third choice keeper, who has stepped up to the plate, due to National team injuries to Pato and Ustari. This youngster is en fuego. But Athletic shoulda, coulda, woulda, but alas no!

When Caparrós took off Yeste, and brought in JaviMar, a key part of our attacking power disappeared. That said, Getafe delivered a wonder goal. Casquero with a cracker, caught Gorka off his line. Not sure if Gorka could do anything, even if he was better positioned, because it was a beaut and in the 86th minute to boot. 0-1 another loss at San Mamés.

Athletic deserved the win, but just couldn’t capitalize on their chances. And now the big team run begins. Will Athletic step up to the level of the teams and finally click and awaken? I hope so. Athletic played their best game this season against Getafe. Because of this, I have hope and still believe that team is on the cusp of gelling. The youngsters are looking very promising and it’s only a matter of time.

I know other fans blame the Aduriz transfer on the lack of fire power, as well as Llorente’s lack of confidence in front of goal. But, it’s still early days. Yes, Athletic will need to do the business soon, as we cannot afford losing 12 points to the big teams! Athletic has a poor record at the Sanchez Pizuan. I guess it’s time to break the losing streak!

On the news front, an official announcement is expected soon that Joseba Etxeberría will re-up for another year (until June 2010), but at half his current salary. The 31 year old is a pivotal leader and class act for the team. Who will fill in his shoes when he finally does decide to hang up his boots? No idea.

Caparrós played the same team that beat Valladolid at home, but it was night and day from the win last Sunday. Just plain slow, no creativity and UGLY. This is what happens when you have two very defensive teams. But Athletic should be better than this!!! Consistency, we need consistency! This is very worrying. I know it is still early, but Athletic doesn’t look like a top 6 team, let alone a top 10 team. Thankfully the promoted teams are pure crap!

On a positive note, it was great to see Orbaiz healthy again and getting some game time on Thursday. Yeste also looked dangerous off the bench and he didn’t have a hissy fit. David Lopez was true to his word. He had mentioned in recent interviews, that he was going to step up his game this year. He recognized that he had a crap year during his first year at Athletic and he is starting to produce. But Motm goes to Gorka, who kept us in the game with oodles of saves. Last year he was injured, but he is getting better and better with each game. We are going to need a top notch goalie with our lapses, heh!

And coming up this weekend, an extremely important game against Getafe at San Mamés. A must win situation, before the big team battles in October. (At last Athletic will be on TV!) Exteberría is doubtful after getting a knock at Huelva. Iturraspe, our young midfield diamond in the rough, has been playing with Bilbao Athletic, so most likely he will not be available. Garmendia and Murrillo are probably still out, but the core team is still in tact, thus far.

Can you believe it? Fernando Llorente will have completed 100 games with the game at Getafe. This many games with the first team, and he’s still only 23! Talk about Fernan dependent. Well, kudos to the big guy. He may dish out a lot of fouls, but he’s our big thug in the penalty box. Now he needs to celebrate the moment this weekend with a goal. Oh yeah!

The Umbro (Nike) kit deal is now finalized. $20M over 8 years to distribute our kit, beginning with the 2009-10 season. (Maybe the shirts will be more readily available now?) Nike wants to expand their presence in Spain. They also want to sponsor the team well into the inauguration of the New San Mamés, which makes perfect sense. Athletic will receive 2.5M Euros upfront, so more money in the coffers for President Macua to hoard.

I was incredibly impressed with our youngsters. Mikel Balenziaga, our new left back, created both of those goal scoring opportunities. He was my man of the match. The youngster’s crosses are amazing. Fernando LLorente finally got his groove on and opened this scoresheet for the Leones. Phew! Gurpegui and Javi Martinez were solid in the midfield and complemented each other well. David Lopez and Mikel Susaeta on the wings were class. I loved Susa’s Robinho-ish moves too. It was great to see everyone try to get in the act. Amorebieta had some nice attempts outside the box. Joseba Del Olmo’s inaugural game was very impressive as well. It’s ashame that Ion Velez’ goal was called offside. I thought the youngster scored. The only frustrating thing was that we had numerous attempts at goal and only two capitalized, plus we got a penalty that we had to do over. What’s new?

Yes, Valladolid had a very poor game, but their goal keeper Sergio Asenjo kept the score down. Classy player. I hope this is the beginning of a great run for Athletic and some solid play. Caparrós finally got it right. We’ve got 4 points now and Recre and Getafe this week. Gora Zurrigori!

Joaquin Caparrós has made some tactical decisions. Koikili and Casas will no longer play at Left Back. Young newcomer Mikel Balenziaga, 20 year old from Erreala, La Real Sociedad, will most likely get another start. Looks like Caparrós aka Michael Keaton, has been listening to rival Mendilibar’s pre-game press talks. Mendi doesn’t understand why Casas, a player who has been out of action for a season, has been played in the first team at Left Back. Ya know Mendi, ya got a point. He also is quite perplexed by the whole Aduriz last minute sale. Join the club.

So much for the mind games, it’s game on and time to rebuild fortress, El Catedral. Real Valladolid has gotten off to a great start and is not to be taken lightly. (They trashed us handily during pre-season, to boot.) Vivar Dorado, Luis Prieto (ex-Athletic), Escudero and company attack and play as a strong cohesive unit. So Athletic needs to concentrate fully on the task at hand and play a solid defensive game. The goals will come.

Athletic is definitely feeling the pressure from the press and fans, with closed practice sessions this week and such. So much promise this year. Yes it’s early, but the expectations are still extremely high in Bilbo.

In other news, Fernando Amorebieta and Javi Martinez have both received contract extensions. Amore has been renewed thru 2013 with a $50M Euro buyout clause. Javi Mar has been renewed until 2014 with a $36M Euro buyout clause. All in all, some good business for our young star players. Markel Susaeta is the next in line for an extension. President Macua has stated that he wants to see how the ex-youth player fares this year (his second in the first team), before he renews the quality midfielder.

The average age of Athletic players who participated in last week’s draw vs Malaga was 23.9 years. Very positive, but Caparrós needs to get this team to gel and play as an agressive force.

File this under strange news of the week, some anonymous Athletic supporters posted banners at Mallorca’s training pitch, aimed at Aduriz, of course. “President Macua is responsible from your exit from the club.” ” Always a Lion” (Beti Leioaik) “Best of Luck at Mallorca” were displayed on the banners. Mallorca faithful believe that the Athletic fans are trying to destabilize Aritz. No, I don’t think so. The fans are still quite upset by the transfer of one of their very own, that’s all.

Honestly, we need to put all this behind us and start winning and grinding out the results. Beti Athletic!

But something was missing with Athletic. Forget about the excuses - it was hot, the pitch was horrendous, etc. etc. The first half was a boring long ball game to Llorente. Javi Martinez, in the middle, looked lost and the midfield just plain lacked any creativity. The second half was much improved. Good ball movement from Yeste, linking up with Susaeta. Amorebieta played the ball well from the back, forward. A lot of corners won and opportunities going forward. Athletic looked far superior and I felt a goal would come. But it didn’t. How ironic that Aduriz opened his goal account for Mallorca, the very same day. (You go Aritz!)

Málaga read what we were trying to do and shut down the game. They double teamed Susa and defended extremely well. The Andalusians went back into attack mode, but this time our defense held well and Gorka continued on, in fine form. Caparrós decided to use the last two substitutions to kill time, rather than to reinvigorate the squad, so he left them quite late. I guess he was playing for the draw. But why do I feel empty, more like two points lost.

More anecdotes:

*David Lopez wants more minutes on the pitch. Let’s give it to him. He had a decent game and still has a lot of potential. Plus, he has a wicked free kick.

*What’s up with Llorente’s sponsor-less shirt? No Petronor? Are finances that bad?

*Why is Caparrós not playing new signing, Joseba Del Olmo? He had a decent pre-season. I just don’t get it!

*Good to see Luque playing in La Liga again, this time with Málaga. He was very dangerous.

* Shame on the Málaga Ultras singing “you’re not Spanish, you’re sons of b****”! The LFP needs to sanction or fine the club. Ridiculous!

We need to make the next three games count against Valladolid, Recre and Geta, before we face the big boys - Sevilla, Barça and Madrid. We don’t want or need another relegation battle.

Probable Starting Line Up:

Gorka
Iraola- Aitor Ocio - Amorebieta (he’s back to health) - Balenziaga (the new kid)
Susaeta - Gurpegi - JaviMar - Yeste (recovered)
Extebe - Llorente (Still doubtful)

Injured: Garmendia
Doubtful: Llorente and Orbaiz

A very defensive line up. I am not too sure if the pairing of Gupegi and JaviMar in the middle is the answer. However, I am excited to see how Balenziaga performs at left back. He had a cracking game vs Aluvion in a friendly last week, where Athletic thrashed the lower division side 0-5. If there is no Llorente upfront, then the new boys, Del Olmo, Velez etc will need to strut their stuff. And we really need Orbaiz to bring that creativity, but I don’t want to rush him back. Let’s forget about Aduriz and the dreadful start and concentrate at the task at hand. I really think we can take this game. We just need to keep our defense and midfield tight, stop leaking the goals, and capitalize on our opportunities.

A happy belated birthday to El Gallo, Joseba Exteberria who has turned 31 years old. Sigh, the end of his career is drawing near. Let’s make this a season to remember for our local legend~*

Let’s get this party starting right…

Prolific Basque strikers are hard to come by, while a good Left Back is hard to come by, regardless of background. Last season, the team started to believe in themselves again, dreams of Europe and the Copa Del Rey, but alas, they started off the season in the worse possible way. Let’s hope this is a wake up call.

I can go on and on about our defensive blunders, ineffective attack, Yeste’s penalty miss, and Caparros questionable decision to take off Susaeta later in the game, but I won’t. Thankfully, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

So let’s highlight some positive things:

1) The youngster Ion Velez came in after HT and scored right away and almost got a second!

2) Susa and Llorente both had decent games. We need more and the very best from these two.

3) When Pablo Orbaiz came in, the team improved vastly. Pablo started looking like the old Orbaiz, creative and inventive in midfield.

4) The icon, Ismael Urzaiz finally got to say good-bye to the fans and the club. Enjoy your retirement Isma! Well deserved. He was always one of my faves at the club.

5) Early Days, remember the tortoise and the hare?

MISCELLANY

In other news, Tiko has been loaned out to Eibar. Tiko needs first team football and their was no room for him in the team. Sorte Tiko.

The monies earned from the Aduriz sale to Mallorca, will go to La Real for the whole Zubi illegal transfer fiasco.

Andoni Iraola was called up, once again, to the Spanish NT to play against Bosina-Herzegovina and Armenia this week. Kudos Andoni!

Athletic has signed a Left Back from Erreala (La Real Sociedad) for nearly 1 million Euros. Mikel Balenziaga is 20 years old and has played for Spain’s NT in all youth levels. He is one of the best prospects from La Real’s youth team. He has been signed for 5 years with a 30M buyout clause. Young and inexperienced, but a position we most definitely need reinforced. Rumor has it that he will play against Malaga.

Well Aritz is as good as gone. He is being sold to Mallorca for $6M Euros. The powers that be are crossing their t’s and dotting their i’s, but it’s nearly a done deal. Where does that leave the zurrigori? We purchased two new strikers, Toquero and Iñigo and have since loaned them out to Eibar and Numancia, respectively. Extebe, El Gallo is getting up there in age. He is now 30 years old. If LLorente produces like last year and Extebe partners up with him, and stays injury free. Susaeta could move into the hole. Perhaps? Maybe? I’m still nervous.

This news is very disconcerting. Both the socios and dressing room are not pleased that Artiz is being sold. Aritz has approved the move. (Who wouldn’t want to move to Mallorca?) And Artiz wants first team football, which is not guaranteed at Athletic. I’ll miss you Aritz. Your aerial powress and might. Bueno Suerte.

I will feel more comfortable about this transfer if the money will go to a strong left back and another striker. Who could we sign for $6M Euros? At left back, possibly, Monreal from Osasuna, Garrido from Man City, Yuri Berchiche from Tottenham or even Del Horno on loan from Valencia again. Strikers, well they have to be cheap, but Diaz de Cerio from Real Sociedad comes to mine. Or the youngster Asier Goiria from Eibar. But if we don’t put it to good use, then I am not sure if we really have improved the team from last year. Some may say we would be worst off. Let’s wait and see.

The loss of Aritz, will leave a big hole in our line up. But if we get a quality left back and another striker, then it is a move for the greater good of the team. Maybe youth team striker, Isma Lopez will also get first team opportunities as well. This is going to be a very interesting week.

OTHER NEWS

*We lost our last two pre-season friendlies.

Conquense 1-1 Athletic. The game went to penalties and Conquense pulled through 6-5 over Athletic.

Valladolid 5-2 Athletic. Athletic went 3 nil down in the first half with just poor defensive play. It looked like Athletic was back in the game when we scored two in the 2nd half, but alas no more.

I am not too concerned, let’s put it all behind us and start afresh. The real deal is coming up against Almeria this weekend. Aw Yeah!

*Eibar wants Tiko on loan. The unwanted, veteran midfielder would be a great addition to their team. For Tiko’s sake, I hope this happens. I know we have a lot of overpaid players on our books, but Tiko always gave his heart and soul for the team and deserves a chance to play football. He’s still only 31 years of age.

*Honor guard for newly retired ex-Athletic striker, Ismael Urzaiz. Isma will be given an honor guard and the opportunity to say good-bye to the fans and socios at San Mames. Isma has always been a quality and devoted player for Athletic. He joined the team in 1996 from Espanyol and played 11 seasons with the club. Last season he played with Ajax. It will be great to give Isma his due respect at the opening game.

LA FURIA ROUND UP

Andoni Iraola got some playing time in the second half, 15 minutes to be exact. Fernando Amorebieta did not play in the friendly against Denmark. All in all, I feel both players would fit in nicely with the National Team. If Del Bosque wants the midfield to attack more (IE Alonso, Capel, Senna along with Xavi etc) and the back line to hold tight, Andoni is your man at right back. Plus he is an excellent backup to Ramos. If Del Bosque wants the full backs to attack along the wings ( IE Ramos and Capdevila) and needs more speed back in central defense to coer, than Amore is your man. Amore has much more speed than Puyol and Marchena and he has superb ball control. Well, we shall see if our two Leones get another chance in the upcoming qualifier against Bosnia Herzegovina and Armenia in September.