“Athletic needs to focus on Athletic”

How do you see the semifinal against Osasuna?

Knowing that the second game was in San Mamés, you have to think that it was a bit more favorable for Athletic; but it’s true that Osasuna knows how to play these kinds of games, they have many squads with potential and both Jagoba and Bittor are very brave coaches to play these games. They will not be afraid, they will believe in the possibility of passing and they come with 1-0, so everything is 50 for 50.

How important was your patience for Osasuna on your day with Arrasate?

Osasuna is doing well because part of the management and the success with the sporting directors, Braulio and Cata, and the people below in scouting give stability to the club. They have captured well the essence of Osasuna and what kind of player is good for the club and the team.

Osasuna has also been strong when it comes to keeping players.

Osasuna clearly had to come up with a formula on how to do it in order to land in the First Division and last over time. Like Real, Osasuna established what percentage of players we want to be from the quarry and how many we will allow to sign. Both clubs have found a key to hold.

Is it more complicated for Athletic when it comes to signings?

For Athletic it is a bigger problem, but Athletic has to focus on Athletic. On the players he needs to work on, which players he has and what they have to do to keep them. I’m clear why I stayed at Athletic.

Why did he stay?

It is for something that is most important to us: a changing room, all the people who work for and for Athletic, who live in Athletic in Bizkaia, because of how it pulls you. You have to bring the player into spaces where he feels who he is and what he represents. My feelings for Athletic are huge for everything it has given me: full confidence, immense love, a clear commitment, how you are surrounded by people in any part of the world… There is a player profile that appreciates that and It is the hard core that makes him valuable that will continue to improve Athetic.

By the way, can you leave Athletic?

Whatever your name, there is always an option for a way out. I was clear about this and told my representative (with offers from Barça and Atlético de Madrid on the table) do what you think so that I stay at Athletic, which is what I want.

Is a difficult future awaiting Athletic?

From Bosman’s law we always live with this complication of no limits in front of the market; but we have seen that when things go from bad to worse, Athletic always come out on top. We rely on generations or on specific players to emerge because it doesn’t make churros, suddenly a winger emerges, two central defenders, two midfielders… We, at Basconia, have spent a very difficult year with possibility of relegation and there are three players in that process (Zarraga, Vivian and Morcillo) who are now in the first team.

What importance do you attach to the more likely relegation of Bilbao Athletic?

Anything is disastrous, but it is not a disaster. We have cases of teams going down and continuing to release players of level. I place great value on a player’s football self-esteem. That you feel strong and the moment you feel strong, the more chances you have to overcome the screens.