Ups and Downs

By: Elisa | May 14th, 2008

Games In Brief

OK we beat Murcia away midweek, but then we drew against Racing this past weekend. We’re safe, but a chance at Europe is slipping through our fingers. We still lack that self believe, that winning confidence. Luck was not on our side today as Deportivo failed to qualify for UEFA cup via the fair play award. In addition, Spain did not get that extra country spot in the Intertoto - Denmark and Germany did. So now we need to beat Sevilla away and hope that Deportivo will lose to Villarreal at the Riazor. Our chances frankly are not good. Sevilla and Villarreal both have nothing to play for. Depor is at home and Lotina and company have created a fortress over there. A draw and a loss at home has killed our opportunities. Let’s hope for a miracle.

Future Focus

OK what do we need to improve next year, to break the cycle and get back into Europe? For one Caparros has to stay and continue his rebuilding project at the club. We need to do our best to keep our best players - Susaeta, Amorebieta, Ocio, Javi Martinez, Llorente, Armando, etc. This will be extremely tough, as vultures are flying in everywhere to swoop in our diamonds in the rough. We have a solid defense, dangerous midfield, fantasista in the making (Susaeta) and a goal scoring threat. The nucleus of a spine, that just keeps improving. We have youth on our side as well. We just need a few key reinforcements and we are nearly there.

Transfer Rumors

Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham, Barcelona all want Fernan Amorebieta. In fact, now the Venezuelan national team are trying to woo our boy to play for el Vinotino. Aragones (wake up old man!) has stated that he is interested, but frankly set in his old ways, and wants to call up old has beens like Marchena and Pablo. Personally from an Athletic perspective, I would rather have Fernan in Spain. Less of a trip, stiffer competition and action with La Furia Roja. Question is will he get any play time. Possibly when Del Bosque takes the reigns post Euros. It’s all about to Fernan and where his heart yearns. You can’t hold him back if he wants to play for Venezuela. This poor kid is getting bombarded with offers from all sides.

Joseba Llorente is too pricey for Athletic. Damn he could have been the perfect striking partner for our Fernando Llorente. Imagine Llorente and Llorente? Sounds like a legal firm. You can’t blame Valladolid really.

Athletic is eyeing left back, Javi Garrido from Manchester City. He might want a move back home to Spain with Sven’s exit. Who knows? A perfect replacement for loanee Del Horno. Hmmm. Javi does have roots with La Real. Looks like City want no less than 2 million. Right up in our price range….

Another player that Athletic is interested is Natxo Monreal from Osasuna. A 22 year old left back. He has a buy out clause for 12 M Euros. Shane from the Osasuna blog could give us his two cents. But unfortunately Valencia and Atletico are also interested in the kid. So is there a bidding war in the making? I hope not. We normally lose them.

Status of the B team

Well Bilbao Athletic is still struggling in Segunda B or the third division. Currently we are in 15th place, 42 points with one game left to play. The good news is that we have a better head to head with Burgos, who are in 16th place, 39 points. 17 - 20 are relegated to the 4th division. So once again our youth team is safe, but heads will roll. I expect our manager Liñero to get the boot.

Yeste, the diva

Well Yeste has been having a hard time this season. He was caught out late with Del Horno and Zubizuarre partying and the press were all over that. Recently he banged heads with Caparros over not training hard or over exaggerating injury. This past weekend vs Racing, he was brought in as a sub late, the third substitution in fact. Well Fran was not pleased and showed it on the field. He got a yellow easily from the ref and decided to give the ref a piece of his mind in the tunnel. Instant red card. Yeste now refuses to talk to the press or fans and will not represent Athletic socially or publically. In other words, he has issues. Fran what’s the matter? Do you need some love? Do you feel underappreciated? Is this affecting your goal drought? I feel sorry for our home grown player, but he has to get a grip. The world does not revolve around him. Get a life Frannie. Lo siento.

Hasta Luego*