There’s A New Kid in Town

By: Elisa | July 17th, 2008

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Reports coming out of Spain state that Athletic has signed 26 year old striker, Iñigo Velez formerly of Real Murcia, for two years. His stats don’t look that great. Last year with Murcia he played 10 games and scored only one goal. But we need more options up front and he’s dirt cheap. With this signing, Caparros has five strikers at his disposal: Extebe, Fernan Llorente, Arduritz, Ion Velez and Iñigo Velez (no relation).

THAT’S OUR NEW KID IN RED/PIMENTONEROS COLORS

RANT TIME

The Athletic fans at the foros/forums are not very happy with the signings so far. With dreams of Europe or UEFA Cup, everyone was expecting one big signing IE Nacho Monreal, Joseba LLorente, etc. Nothing. Del Olmo is the only signing worth bragging about. Instead of fighting towards Europe, Caparros and company will most likely be fighting against relegation. OK, people let’s calm down. Athletic may be one of the most popular teams, run by Socios, that has never been relegated, but due to our philosophies and finances, we do not splurge on the transfer market. We prefer to find that diamond in the rough or potential in the cantera. We need to concern ourselves with the New Catedral. Plus we are hoping that our current squad will step up, and strive for glory. We’ve got the taste of Europe last year and I really think we still have a chance in 2008-9. Yes our left back problem is a gaping hole, but put a little faith in President Macua and Caparros. Sheesh! The available Vascos in the transfer market are slim pickens or overpriced. Quite honestly, we are a team that does not like to get in debt. Very admirable indeed. We also screwed ourselves messing with La Real and this time the courts came after us! So we need to stay away from pinching La Real’s players and it hurts, but somehow we can find a way. We need to hone our skills and attack and defend as a unit. No stars, just Team Athletic. Rant over.

INJURY UPDATE

Joaquin Caparros is working our players’ asses off with three training sessions a day.

Here is a list of the most recent injuries in preseason!

*Youngster (only 15) Iker Guarrotxena – Injured during running exercises, IE overworked. Poor kid! The prognosis is favorable.
*Pablo Orbaiz – recuperating after ankle surgery. He recently did a lot of press, being very positive about his recovery. Slowly but surely, Pablo. There will be more tests upon his return to Bilbao. We need our defensive midfielder back and fast.
*Koikili – Right ankle strain. He is undergoing physiotherapy. Ouch, this is going to hurt. Our Left Back position is probably our most vulnerable. Get well soon Koi!
*Ion Velez with muscle spasms. He skipped training, but nothing major. Phew!

ONES TO WATCH

Two youngsters have really impressed in training so far: Iturraspe and Agueros. Iturraspe is only 19 years old and a “crack”. He has really impressed Caparros and company with his maturity in midfield and is definitely one for the future. Agueros has also been impressive. He is only 18 years old and could be a potential solution or backup for our Left Back dilemna. Do we have one of the best canteras and scouting program around? You bet!

YESTE IS SO STRONG! LOL