Athletic Club’s Surprising Transformation
Ernesto Valverde recently expressed his disappointment regarding the perception that La Liga ranks as the top priority for Athletic Club. This comment came after the club’s exit from the Champions League, marking a low point in their season, affected severely by injuries.
Athletic Club’s Injury Woes
The team’s struggles have been exacerbated by several key player injuries, including Nico Williams, Vivian, and Aymeric Laporte. Ohian Sancet, another crucial player, suffered an injury just after scoring his first goal of the season against Sporting de Portugal.
Season Overview
Last summer, Athletic Club looked ahead to the 2025-2026 season with optimism. They had recently lifted the Copa del Rey after four decades and narrowly missed re-entering the Europa League final. This success earned them direct qualification for the Champions League, further bolstered by the retention of Nico Williams and the notable signing of Aymeric Laporte.
Challenging Start to the Season
The club’s initial league performance included three consecutive victories. However, upon entering the Champions League, concerns about the team’s weekend performances emerged. The club’s performance fluctuated, resulting in their current precarious position in the league. They are now in the lower mid-table, just three points clear of relegation.
Scoring Struggles
- Athletic Club is among the lowest-scoring teams this season, ranking fifth from the bottom.
- Last season, Sancet was a standout, recording 17 goals and 3 assists in 36 appearances, primarily in La Liga.
- This season, however, Sancet has only managed 3 goals and 1 assist in 25 matches due to persistent injuries.
Key Player Performances
Nico Williams had an impressive season last year with 8 goals and 18 assists. Yet, this season, he has struggled due to a pubalgia injury. Meanwhile, Sancet and Guruzeta have been pivotal in recent matches, demonstrating their will to regain form despite injuries.
Upcoming Challenges
The upcoming derby against Real Sociedad at San Mamés is highly anticipated. Valverde emphasized its significance, stating, “That’s our Champions League.” The Real Sociedad, now rejuvenated under coach Rino Mattarazo, will serve as a crucial test for Athletic Club.
Club Management and Future Prospects
Recent changes in coaching staff have added complexity to Athletic’s season. The departure of physical trainer José Antonio Pozanco due to personal reasons has left a gap in the team’s preparation. As uncertainty looms regarding key players, some fans are expressing discontent towards club president Jon Uriarte.
Uriarte plans to publicly address the club’s situation following the match against Real Sociedad, ahead of the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey against Valencia.
