Preseason Time

By: Elisa | July 13th, 2008

Athletic returned to pre-season training this week at the Isla Canela near Huelva. The Mister has called into camp 33 players - 5 Canteranos and 28 Lions. Joaquin Caparros has stated that the team is much improved and we need to continue to ensure that Sam Mames is our fortress. President Macua has reflected on his first year, stating that we’ve seen a much more balanced team with dreams of a return to Europe this season. Everyone is feeling quite good about this year and I for one, cannot wait for it to begin.

TRANSFER BUSINESS TO DATE

IN: Toquero (Sestao River - Striker), LaFuente (Espanyol - Goal keeper), Ion Velez (Hercules - Striker), Del Olmo (Eibar - Striker/Winger)

OUT: Del Horno (Valencia - Left Back), Cuellar (Murcia - Midfielder), Exposito (Hercules - Defender), Aranzubia (Deportivo - Goal Keeper), Prieto (Valladolid - Defender)

We are covered in the Goal Keeper, Central Defense and Right Back positions. Still a little questionable at Left Back. Midfield and Upfront is looking quite good as well, but we do need to add at least one more attacking threat. On the Transfers out front, I am expecting to see Zubiaurre, Casas and Tiko leave the club as they are not in Caparros’s plans. Both Prieto and Tiko have been very loyal servants to the club. Best of luck to them in their new adventures. Prieto was a big reason that Athletic did not get relegated two seasons ago.

INTEREST: Iñigo Velez (Murcia - Striker), Xabi Prieto (Real Sociedad - Right Winger), Yuri Berchiche (Tottenham - Left Back), Diaz de Cerio (Real Sociedad - Striker)

Maybe Velez, but Juande is playing hard ball when it comes to young Yuri and due to the whole fiasco with Zubiaurre and Real Sociedad, I don’t think we will be doing any business for the interim. Shame.

INJURY UPDATE:

Reports coming out of camp is that Gorka Irazoiz has fully recuperated from last season’s injury and he is eager to fight for his place in goal vs Armando and LaFuente. Meanwhile our long lost midfielder Pablo Orbaiz for the first time is feeling no pain while training and playing. That is very good news indeed.

The club has a very intensive pre-season schedule. I will publish the final schedule soon.

CELEBRITY BILBAO SIGHTINGS

Did you know that Michael Stype and REM were Bilbao fans? Well check this out. Stype shows his colors while performing at Bilbao BBK Live this Summer. Cool eh?