Aitor Herrera - Back In Bilbao

[The GallantPioneer1872]

Your story always just succeeds, The time you've put into Aitor Herrera's career I hope your going to name a child after him ? INteraction on this is dreadful now though definitely need to go by views!

 

[Klippybo]

JANUARY

Copa del Rey 5th Round 1st Leg
v
​​Malaga 2 (Success 20, Borja 87pen)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Muniain 34)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Yeray, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat (Aketxe), Iturraspe, Williams, Raul Garcia, Muniain, Aduriz (Merino)

We didn't deserve to lose this match but lose we did. Thankfully we got an away goal and hopefully we can turn things around in the 2nd leg.

--

v
Real Madrid 3 (Kroos 32, Inigo Martinez og77, Isco 89)
Athletic Bilbao 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos (Lekue), San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Iturraspe, Williams, Raul Garcia (Aketxe), Muniain, Aduriz (Merino)

I have no complaints as we were well beaten as they had 29 shots to our 3. My keeper Arrizabalaga did save a 4th minute penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and that was as good as it got for us.

--

Copa del Rey 5th Round 2nd Leg
v
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Iturraspe 15, Williams 26, Raul Garcia 33, Aduriz 41)
Malaga 0
(Agg: 5-2)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat* (Aketxe), Iturraspe, Williams, Raul Garcia, Muniain, Aduriz

The 1st half performance was a joy to behold as we blew Malaga away but we took our foot off the gas in the 2nd half but we are through and that's the main thing.

--

v
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Aduriz 42, Williams 87)
Celta Vigo 1 (Aspas 6)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga (Isma Lopez), Benat, Iturraspe, Williams, Raul Garcia (Aketxe), Muniain, Aduriz (Susaeta)

A win but at a cost. We got a late winner as we broke immediately after Celta missed a glaring opportunity and Williams converted however Aduriz and Susaeta got injured and will be out for a month or so each.

--

Copa del Rey Quarter-Final 1st Leg
v
​​Atletico Madrid 2 (Correa 16, Gameiro 72pen)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Williams 49)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Iturraspe, Aketxe, Raul Garcia, Muniain, Williams

Not bad. We got the all important away goal and kept it tight so we are in with a shout for the return leg.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (De Marcos 62)
Villarreal 1 (Bacca 27)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos*, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Iturraspe, Aketxe (Lekue), Raul Garcia (Vesga), Muniain (Cordoba), Williams

Villarreal are just above us in the table and we really should have won this match as we dominated. De Marcos was moved up to RW and he immediately scored with an acrobatic volley.

--

Copa del Rey Quarter-Final 2nd Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 0
Atletico Madrid 1 (Godin 8)
(Agg: 1-3)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue (Iribarren), San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat (Vesga), Iturraspe, Aketxe, De Marcos, Muniain (Cordoba), Williams

Meh. Out of the cup we go as Atletico beat us for the 3rd time this season.

--

v
​​Alaves 1 (Munir 82)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Vesga 11)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue, San Jose (Nunez), Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Vesga, De Marcos, Raul Garcia, Muniain (Cordoba), Williams (Iribarren)

Our patchy run of form continues here with a disappointing draw. We were missing a few players but that is no excuse.

--

SUMMARY

Thank god January is over. In 8 games we only managed to win twice and in the process was dumped out of the cup too. That being said apart from a 3-0 loss to Real Madrid all the games were close and with games coming thick and fast and with players picking up injuries it was probably expected given the strength of our squad.

Also I am glad that the transfer window is closed. I had bids for several of my players including Yeray, San Jose, De Marcos, Arrizabalaga and many for Williams with the highest bid being £62m but none were for sale.

There were 2 sales though. Xabi Etxeita left to join Malaga for £1.3m. He was never really in my plans and with my first choice pairing plus Nunez and Yeray as backups he wasn't going to be involved. Kike Sola is also off to pastures new as he joined Granada for £325,000.

I did sign one player. I brought Inigo Ruz de Galarreta back to the club from Barcelona B for £775,000. He looks a decent player but I brought him in to strengthen my B side.
View attachment 63957

Finally the presidential elections happened and I have a new chairman who immediately rewarded me with a new contract which was nice!

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
OSCAR DE MARCOS
View attachment 63959

--

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 63958
​

 

[Klippybo]

FEBRUARY

​​v
​​Getafe 0
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Williams 24, 82, Inigo Martinez 63)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Iturraspe, Susaeta, Raul Garcia, Muniain (Cordoba), Williams*

A fantastic win and a fine performance up front from Inaki Williams. One sour note though as Iturraspe got injured and is out for a few weeks. Inigo Martinez's goal was a direct free kick - who knew? lol

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Williams 65)
Levante 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Vesga, Susaeta (Aduriz), Raul Garcia (Iribarren), Muniain (Cordoba), Williams

Not our greatest performance but we got the 3pts. I put Aduriz on and moved Williams to the RW and he scored immediately!

--

UEFA Europa League 1st Round 1st Leg
v
​​PSV Eindhoven 4 (Van Ginkel 26, Pereiro 29, De Jong 42, 66)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Benat 41, Cordoba 82, 84)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez (Yeray), Balenziaga, Benat, Vesga, Williams, Raul Garcia (Iribarren), Muniain, Aduriz (Cordoba)

PHEW!!! At 4-1 down with 10min to go we looked as though we were heading out but Cordoba struck twice to give us an impressive 3 away goals. We just need to do the job at the San Mames now!

--

v
​​Barcelona 3 (Alba 6, Messi 43pen, Suarez 90)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Aduriz 5, Susaeta 10, Muniain 62)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat (Aketxe), Vesga, Susaeta, Raul Garcia (Yeray), Muniain (Cordoba), Aduriz

What a match this was. After 10min we found ourselves 2-1 up but were level at the break. Then we had Inigo Martinez sent-off but Muniain put us back in front after a Barcelona defensive mix up but they levelled deep into stoppage time heartbreakingly.

--

UEFA Europa League 1st Round 2nd Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Aduriz 10, Susaeta 34, 52)
PSV Eindhoven 1 (Ramselaar 45)
(Agg: 6-5)
Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Vesga (Yeray), Susaeta*, Raul Garcia (Aketxe), Muniain, Aduriz

Through we go as PSV were easily beaten here. There are a couple of really strong teams in the Europa League left including Arsenal and Liverpool but Roma were the biggest side to be knocked out at this stage.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Aduriz 1, Muniain 32)
Real Betis 1 (Sanabria 9)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Yeray, Balenziaga (Isma Lopez), Benat (Aketxe), Vesga, Williams, Raul Garcia (Iribarren), Muniain, Aduriz

We took the lead after 18secs here amazingly and ended up just sneaking the game as they had an equaliser disallowed.

--

SUMMARY

February was a good month for us. We won 3 out of 4 games in the league with the game we didn't win being an away draw to Barcelona where we conceded an injury time equaliser. These results have us only 4pts off the top of the table so you could say that we are in with a shout for the title but we are level on points with Villarreal in 5th so we are really fighting for a top 4 finish in truth.

In the Europa League we lost the 1st leg against PSV which ended our 10 game win streak in that tournament but won through in the 2nd leg and have a favourable draw against RB Salzburg in the next round.

Next month brings the all important youth intake - fingers crossed!!!!!

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
MARKEL SUSAETA
View attachment 63932
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--

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 63933
​​
​

 

[Tracz]

Pitty about going out of the cup.
But i think the season so far has been great, you should be able to see yourself past rb salzburg, and maybe a challenge for the top spot? Not many points behind.
Keep up the great work. I know it can be hard to keep updating in here with very few responses but lots of views. Ive been on here for a few years as a commentor and ive noticed how few people comment now. I think some of it is down to the stories which arent always the best or people quickly give up or dont update regularly.
Keep it up though mate im loving it.

 

[Klippybo]

MARCH

​​v
​​Malaga 2 (Ideye 41, Success 44)
Athletic Bilbao 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Vesga (Aketxe), Williams, Raul Garcia, Muniain (Cordoba), Aduriz (Susaeta)

Our 7 game unbeaten run in the league is over as Malaga deservedly won. It could and should have been worse as Arrizabalaga saved a penalty.

--

v
​​Deportivo La Coruna 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Iturraspe 85)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat (Aketxe), Iturraspe, Williams, Raul Garcia*, Muniain (Cordoba), Aduriz (Susaeta)

A tough match this. It was fairly boring but it opened up in the last 15min and we got the goal from Iturraspe on his return from injury. Benat got injured however. Grrrr.

--

UEFA Europa League 2nd Round 1st Leg
v
​​FC RB Salzburg 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Merino 77)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga (Isma Lopez), Aketxe, Iturraspe*, Susaeta, Raul Garcia (Iribarren), Muniain, Williams (Merino)

I thought this was petering out into a boring nil nil draw but Merino scored to give us the victory.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 0
Atletico Madrid 1 (Diego Costa 11)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Yeray, San Jose, Inigo Martinez (Nunez), Balenziaga (Isma Lopez), Raul Garcia, Iturraspe, Williams, Iribarren, Muniain, Aduriz (Susaeta)

That's 4 games against Atletico this season and 4 defeats which is not good at all. We were missing a couple of players which didn't help. We aint going to win the league now lol.

--

UEFA Europa League 2nd Round 2nd Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Raul Garcia 87, Iribarren 90, 90)
FC RB Salzburg 1 (Dabbur 12)
(Agg: 4-1)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue (Yeray), San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Aketxe, Iturraspe (Iribarren*), Williams, Raul Garcia, Muniain, Aduriz (Susaeta)

It looked for all the world that we were going into extra-time but Raul Garcia struck from distance and then Iribarren scored 2 goals in stoppage time to add an extra shine to our progress. Remember he was a regen who was there from the start that my DoF signed!

Injuries are mounting up though. De Marcos was injured in training and Iturraspe went off here and both are out for a month or so.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 6 (Raul Garcia 2, Aduriz 25, 44, 90, San Jose 27, Iribarren 78)
Sevilla 3 (Muriel 29, Ben Yedder 40, Sandro 50)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue (Yeray), San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Aketxe, Raul Garcia, Williams (Susaeta), Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Aduriz*

What a match this was!!! Espanyol won a match 7-3 a few days before and we won 6-3 here with Aduriz scoring a hat-trick and Iribarren netting his first league goal for us too.

--

v
​​Las Palmas 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Aduriz 90)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat (Vesga), Raul Garcia, Williams*, Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Aduriz

It was the late late show here as Aduriz struck in stoppage time to give us the points.

--

SUMMARY

March had its ups and downs as we lost 2 league games but won a few as well including the last 2 which proves a confidence boost for upcoming games. The highlight was the 6-3 victory over Sevilla where Aduriz scored a hat-trick and we end the month in 4th place a couple of points ahead of Villarreal.

In the Europa League we defeated Salzburg and will face Lyon in the Quarter-Finals which is not too bad.

The youth intake was decent. We got a 4 star potential CB and most importantly a ST.
View attachment 63788View attachment 63787

I also like the look of this player.....
View attachment 63786

An update on my B team - they won their last match 6-1 and are 7pts clear at the top.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
RAUL GARCIA
View attachment 63789

--

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 63790
​​
​

 

[Tobey Mason]

Aitor is BACK! I remember that story so fondly... That long ago though? Wow. FM Base is starting to quieten down which is a real shame as this place still has REAL potential to be a hive of activity... Maybe incentivise the threads again with Story of the week (really push people to create fantastic aesthetic stories), kit of the week, tactic of the week or maybe make them monthly awards... I swear there used to be moderators for these kinds of things... are mods even active on here anymore?

Back on topic. Great story mate, keep it up.

 

[Tracz]

Aitor is BACK! I remember that story so fondly... That long ago though? Wow. FM Base is starting to quieten down which is a real shame as this place still has REAL potential to be a hive of activity... Maybe incentivise the threads again with Story of the week (really push people to create fantastic aesthetic stories), kit of the week, tactic of the week or maybe make them monthly awards... I swear there used to be moderators for these kinds of things... are mods even active on here anymore?

Back on topic. Great story mate, keep it up.

I think the mods have forgotten about this site mate haha
I agree with the story of the month and that stuff would be good idea. They did those things before i swear.

A solid month again mate.

 

[ScottT]

Villerreal are posing a threat behind you but hopefully you'll be able to shrug them off over the last two months of the season to claim fourth. Looking very good in the Europa League also. Lyon will be a challenge but I think you'll have enough to scrap past them and continue a fantastic year.

Also on the story award discussion, dare I mention FM Scout (sorry if I can't mention them!) but I posted a lot on there, in fact I'm one of the top 50 posters but they had a Story Of The Month every month which has sadly died down due to a lack of interest and stories, but it certainly gave me and others a sense of 'competition' to be voted the best of the best each month, but this site certainly has a lot more activity on the story front to be able to do something like this.

 

[Ralph2211]

Going well mate. Looking good for Champions League.

 

[JamesScott2908]

Always look forward to seeing this, Have been a quiter reader on this site for a while (More so the only time I get to read these is at work!) The Basque rule always baffles me!? Quite a start you have made there though! I also followed your NUFC story keenly being a Newcastle fan myself (Only time i will ever see them win a trophy is on here ha!). Apologies for lack of comments! Good job so far!!

 

[Klippybo]

APRIL

UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final 1st Leg
v
​​Lyon 3 (Mariano 34, Cornet 65, Geubbels 73)
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Williams 10, 60, 90, Susaeta 75)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue (Yeray), San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Vesga, Susaeta, Raul Garcia (Aketxe), Cordoba (Merino), Williams*

WHAT A MATCH!!!

The key moment was when they had Philippe sent-off and from the resulting free kick we made it 3-3 from Susaeta and then we won it in stoppage time when the superb Inaki Williams completed his hat-trick.

--

v
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Muniain 13, 19, Vesga 63)
Girona 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue, San Jose, Yeray, Balenziaga, Benat, Vesga*, Williams (Susaeta), Raul Garcia, Muniain, Aduriz

Girona have only won 2 matches this term and are doomed for relegation and we swotted them aside here easily.

--

UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg
v
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Aduriz 34, Aketxe 75pen)
Lyon 3 (Depay 18, Mariano 68, Fekir 80)
(Agg: 6-6 - Athletic Bilbao win on away goals)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Vesga (Aketxe), Williams (Susaeta), Raul Garcia (Iribarren), Muniain, Aduriz

Just like the 1st leg neither side could defend here as 5 goals were scored. Fortunately for us our 4 away goals were enough to take us into the semis.

--

v
​​Leganes 1 (Beauvue 14)
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Aduriz 5pen, 90pen, Williams 6, Raul Garcia 56)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos (Lekue), San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga (Isma Lopez), Benat, Vesga, Williams*, Raul Garcia, Muniain (Cordoba), Aduriz

We went into this game knowing that the 3 sides above us and the side directly below us all dropped points over the weekend and we took advantage of that here by putting 4 past the surprise team of the season so far.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 5 (Aduriz 18, Vezo og21, Williams 43, 83, Aketxe 45pen)
Valencia 2 (Guedes 5, Vietto 48)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Aketxe, Vesga, Williams*, Raul Garcia (Iribarren), Muniain (Cordoba), Aduriz (Susaeta)

Another convincing win here and that's 18 goals in 5 matches this month for us. This win sees us jump into 3rd place above Real Madrid as our bitter rivals, Real Sociedad, thumped them 3-0!!!

--

UEFA Europa League Semi-Final 1st Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 4 (Ruiz og30, Aduriz 42, 45, 59)
Villarreal 2 (Bacca 26, Castillejo 32)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos (Lekue), San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat (Vesga), Iturraspe, Williams, Raul Garcia, Cordoba (Aketxe), Aduriz*

Goals galore once again as we bang 4 past Villarreal who are growing to hate us as we are probably going to deny them a Champions League spot in the league and if we beat them here they aren't getting it through the Europa League. The 2 away goals is a worry though.....

--

v
​​Espanyol 1 (Darder 31)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Iturraspe 84)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos (Lekue), San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Iturraspe*, Williams (Susaeta), Raul Garcia, Cordoba (Aketxe), Aduriz

A wonder strike from Iturraspe (a first time volley from 20 yards) and our goal of the season earned us a point here. This was Inigo Cordoba's first start in the league this season - he has made 18 sub appearances yet he is being mentioned in the running for the young player of the year!

--

SUMMARY

It looks as though we have hit form at just the right time as we were excellent this month and are scoring goals galore - averaging over 3 goals a game!!! Inaki Williams was immense as he scored 6 goals mainly from the wing and Aduriz netted 7.

We go into the final month of the season all but assured a Champions League place. We can still mathematically win the title but it aint going to happen (tbh I don't want it to happen as I like a challenge with Bilbao and that would be to much to soon) but our main focus is in the Europa League where we have one foot in the final.

As for my B team - they have finished top of the league and beat Leicester to win the U23 European Cup while my U19s won their league winning all 30 games and scoring 122 goals!

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
INAKI WILLIAMS
View attachment 63669

--

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 63668
​​
​

 

[Tracz]

A great month.
Hopefully you can keep up the form and finish 2nd.

 

[Klippybo]

MAY

UEFA Europa League Semi-Final 2nd Leg
v
​​Villarreal 3 (Bruno 16, Castillejo 43, 55)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Aketxe 35, 52pen)
(Agg: 5-6)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga (Isma Lopez), Benat (Vesga), Iturraspe, Williams, Aketxe*, Muniain (Cordoba), Aduriz

Into the final we go as we edge out Villarreal buy just the one goal on aggregate. Ager Aketxe was superb and scored twice as he took his chance. We will play the winners of this seasons English Premier League - Arsenal.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Vesga 4, Williams 17, Aketxe 45)
Real Sociedad 1 (Junami 83)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat (Yeray), Vesga*, Williams, Aketxe (Iribarren), Muniain, Aduriz (Susaeta)

Derby day joy as we stroll past Real Sociedad in the Vasco derby and this win secures Champions League football for next season. That means I get next seasons budget....................

£6m = **** RIGHT OFF!!!!

--

v
​​Eibar 1 (Diop 83)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Vesga 16, Goni 82)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue, Yeray, Nunez, Isma Lopez, Aketxe, Vesga (Rico), Susaeta, (Zarraga) Iribarren (Iribar), Cordoba, Goni

Eibar are bottom and relegated so I took a calculated risk and played my backups and it worked. 2 youth intake players featured and Goni, who started, swivelled and fired in a shot from a tight angle to get a debut goal.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Merino 90)
Real Madrid 1 (Bale 64)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Isma Lopez, Aketxe, Vesga, Susaeta, Iribarren (Rico), Cordoba (Merino), Aduriz (Goni)

A decent way to end the season. If we had won we would have finished 3rd, just behind Atletico who had the better head to head record but as it was we finish in 4th position. I suppose if I fielded a full strength side things may have been different but with the cup final only days away I couldn't afford to risk too many players.

--

UEFA Europa League Final
v
​​Arsenal 2 (Iwobi 54, Lacazette 90)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Aduriz 4, 21, Williams 38)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Benat, Iturraspe, Williams*, Raul Garcia, Muniain, Aduriz

WE WIN THE EUROPA LEAGUE!!!!

Our first half performance was a joy to behold as we scored 3 goals and had 1 disallowed but we almost allowed them an unlikely comeback as they pulled 2 goals back but we held on.

--

SUMMARY

The final month of the season was a success!!! Sure we finished 4th in the league where we could have finished slightly higher but my main focus was the Europa League and after defeating Villarreal we just edged out Arsenal in a 5 goal thriller in the final.

We seen a couple of fleeting glimpses of some youth prospects during the month and Goni impressed with his debut goal - he could make the climb up to the 1st team squad like Iribarren did this season.

Inigo Cordoba somehow won the young player of the year award despite only starting 3 games in the league for us while unsurprisingly Aduriz won the award for being the top Spanish scorer.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
MIKEL VESGA
View attachment 63593

--

END OF SEASON POST TO FOLLOW
​

 

[Tracz]

Id say a great season!
That budget aint great, defo gonna have to work some magic.

 

[ScottT]

Fantastic season! That budget is very low though so I’m intrigued at how you will work with it. But congratulations on that Europa League win especially!

 

[LemonyFresh]

Great season ! love the story inspired me to give it a go love the layout and style short but sweet
filled with good info = will read as long as you stick around

 

[Klippybo]

END OF SEASON POST

Season 1 is over and it was an excellent one as we gained a Champions League spot and had the added bonus of winning the Europa League. In the league we were only 2pts off 2nd place and had some outstanding victories but the only blemish I suppose was the fact that we failed to beat any of the "big 3".

In the Copa del Rey we defeated Mallorca and Malaga before Atletico Madrid beat us home and away in the quarter-finals. It was however in the Europa League where we excelled as we banged in 55 goals all told. After negotiating the qualifiers and the group stage with a 100% record we knocked out PSV, Salzburg, Lyon and Villarreal before edging past Arsenal in the final.

So all was good and things are looking positive but there are a few dark clouds lurking in the horizon but I have an umbrella, a pair of wellies and a raincoat to counter them (**** knows lol).

--

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 63449View attachment 63452
--

FIRST TEAM SQUAD
View attachment 63451View attachment 63450

--

MY AWARDS

Player of the Season - Ander Iturraspe
Young Player of the Season - Jon Ander Iribarren
Surprise Player of the Season - Mikel Vesga
Underachieving Player of the Season - Benat

--

B TEAM & U19s

My B team were fantastic. They were predicted to finish 2nd but they won the league easily but that wasn't enough for automatic promotion. They then went into the play-offs and fortunately they won through to gain promotion to the league below us. Now they have to stay there!!! They also managed to win the European U23 Cup.

The U19s were excellent too. 30 league games played and 30 league games won - enough said lol

--

AIMS FOR PRE-SEASON

Things will be tricky. There is one player I am desperate to sign but I will need another £15m or so extra on my transfer budget probably to get him. The problem with Bilbao is that you can never really sell players for decent money as you need to keep them because of the restrictions. Hopefully with us back in the Champions League the board will loosen the purse strings next summer.

I do have a few loan players returning including a Romania international left back! (Who Knew?). Ander Capa is joining from Eibar for £3.6m but that was pre-arranged so I am not really expecting much more tbh but I will see what I can do!

​

 

[Klippybo]

PRE-SEASON

Firstly I am ignoring the 2 games that I played in August - I will add that on to next months update. The reason being that so much was going to happen after my 2 games in the transfer deadline and there is no point doing an update with just 2 games!

This summer saw me sell a Bilbao legend, inherit a few players who were out on loan last season and not only tinker with my main squad but also try to strengthen my B squad so they can survive the division below us. I also almost sold a player but cancelled it despite knowing I will never get a better bid and all the while I was going after my No1 transfer target.

--

PLAYERS OUT

It was a fond farewell to Markel Susaeta. I didn't want to sell him but he wanted a new challenge and with his contract expiring at the end of the season I couldn't afford to lose him for nothing so I sold him to Inter for £9m.

Some backups also left. Isma Lopez joined Malaga for £1.9m (a £2.6m loss) while Iago Herrerin also moved there for £1.2m. B team player, Enric Saborit joined Getafe for £1.5m and after that it was all loans apart from a £130,000 deal for a B team player.

As for the nearly moves. I accepted a £26m bid for Oscar De Marcos from a Chinese club but I couldn't go through with it even though I know I will never get a better bid. Barcelona have bid up to £38m for Inigo Martinez but he is going nowhere - which he isn't happy about.

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PLAYERS IN

On deadline day I got my No1 target. I went into deadline day not knowing whether I was going to spend £5m or so on my B team or splash the lot on one player. I was always a couple of million short for my wanted player but on deadline day I asked the board for more wages and they accepted!!!!

So welcome Mikel Merino!!!! I paid £38m for him and the 22 y/o will be a key player for me. He was immense in my Newcastle save and hopefully will be the same here. If he and Iturraspe can build a partnership over the next 2-3 seasons then all will be good!!!
View attachment 63327

Ander Capa came in from Eibar for £3.6m in a deal that was already arranged before I came to the club. He will be a backup RB and RW but I didn't really need him tbh.
View attachment 63326

I signed a few regens too. Jawad Zerhouni came in from Valencia for £1.5m and Pablo Armillas joined from Real Zaragoza for £1.2m. Both players look like they have great futures ahead of them and I am really excited to have them both and I am eager to get them some game time at some point. I also brought in 3 other regens for just over half a million.
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View attachment 63315View attachment 63313View attachment 63312

I signed 4 players for my B team for a total of £200,000.
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FIRST TEAM SQUAD

Apart from the new season I have a few players who were out on loan last season. Alex Remiro is my new backup keeper while Romanian international Cristian Ganea will be backup at left back. Asier Villalibre, who scored a ton last season while on loan, will be back up to grandpa Aduriz and he has to make an impact as this will probably be Aduriz's last season and I need someone to stake a claim to be his replacement pronto!!!!

Unai Lopez, Markel Etxeberria and Gorka Santamaria are also back but they are in the B team.

As for my first XI the only change is that Merino will start ahead of Benat!!!

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW

We were given a favourable draw and I would like to think that we would at least finish runners-up. FC Porto, Inter and Besiktas will be our opponents.

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SPANISH TRANSFERS

More outgoings than incomings it seems but Real Madrid splashed the cash to get Harry Kane.
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[ScottT]

Merino will be a brilliant signing I'm sure. I like the look of that group also, it's quite tight but one I see you winning. Good luck!

 

[Klippybo]

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

UEFA European Super Cup Final
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 0
Manchester United 2 (Candreva 18, Martial 76)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga (Ganea), Benat, Iturraspe (Vesga), Williams, Raul Garcia (Iribarren), Cordoba, Villalibre

As always having won a trophy I expect to win one every year thereafter and this was my best chance this season so I was disappointed to lose this. Hey ho.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 4 (Williams 16, Raul Garcia 50, Aduriz 71, 90)
Sevilla 2 (N'Zonzi 43, Pavelka 49)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos (Capa), San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga (Ganea), Benat, Iturraspe, Williams, Raul Garcia, Muniain, Aduriz*

A decent way to start the league campaign. Our first 3 games are very tough so to get 3pts here puts us in a good place.

--

v
Villarreal 1 (Andone 56)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Iturraspe 34)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Merino, Iturraspe, Williams (Aketxe), Raul Garcia, Muniain, Aduriz (Villalibre)

A decent result I suppose. Our goal was a great team goal with my new CM partnership finishing off a great move with Merino feeding Iturraspe through to score.

--

v
Valencia 0
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Iturraspe 38, Muniain 53)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose (Yeray), Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Merino, Iturraspe*, Williams (Aketxe), Raul Garcia, Muniain, Aduriz (Villalibre)

This was probably the ultimate counter attacking performance. They had 27 shots to our 12 yet we ran out 2-0 winners. The only thing is I was playing a game plan to control it fluidly!!! Lol.

--

UEFA Champions League Group G
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Aduriz 76)
Inter Milan 1 (Icardi 51pen)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos (Capa), Yeray, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga (Ganea), Merino, Iturraspe, Aketxe*, Raul Garcia, Muniain (Cordoba), Aduriz

A decent point. Inter I think are our toughest opponents in the group so to take a point is not bad.

--

v
Las Palmas 2 (Vicente 39, Jairo 90)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (De Marcos 5, Yeray 69)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Yeray, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Merino (Benat), Iturraspe, Aketxe (Capa), Raul Garcia*, Muniain (Cordoba), Aduriz

Hmmm. Like the Valencia game we were by far 2nd best here. Our first goal was a total fluke too. Las Palmas lost their 1st to games to **** but then beat Barcelona and now have drawn against us.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Muniain 53, Williams 56)
Leganes 1 (Diakhaby 69)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos (Capa), Yeray, Inigo Martinez (Nunez), Balenziaga, Merino, Iturraspe, Williams, Raul Garcia*, Muniain, Aduriz (Villalibre)

The performance was excellent - 29 shots to 3. The scoreline was disappointing taking into account our dominance.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 4 (Aduriz 8, 16, 21, Merino 22)
Deportivo La Coruna 1 (Borges 64pen)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Yeray, Inigo Martinez, Balenziaga, Merino, Iturraspe, Williams (Aketxe), Raul Garcia, Muniain, Aduriz*

For 22min we were unbelievable and then after that it was pathetic tbh. Mikel Merino scored a superb debut goal for us.

--

SUMMARY

On the whole it has been a good start to the season however I am not entirely happy as we have been very lucky in a few games and we have had the rub of the green. That being said Barcelona have lost 3 games already in the league so we are doing well really.

I must admit I am sweating over the future as Aritz Aduriz, my striker, is 37 and its surely his last season. Maybe last season should have been his last but I don't really have a replacement so a lot of our hopes rest on him.

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PLAYER OF THE MONTH(s)
ANDER ITURRASPE
View attachment 63119
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LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 63118
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