Less than three years ago, dark clouds were hovering, or at least it felt that way, over Athletic’s future. Since sports usually go hand in hand with the economy, the concern goes beyond the pure football field. When the ball goes in, especially if the first team is concerned, everything flows more normally.
Having passed the midpoint of Jon Uriarte’s mandate, the image presented by the current Athletic is clearly exciting. The lions, who just beat Real Madrid in their last Liga game, are fourth in the standings, co-leaders in the Europa League, hold the title of reigning Cup champions and are eyeing their third participation in the another Super Cup competition, among other things.
A few days ago, Óscar de Marcos referred to the current president of the red-and-white club as “a very good manager.” No one can argue with this because of the evolution that the red-and-white club has experienced since it arrived at the seat of Ibaigane. Things are what they are.
The great victory
Uriarte was very successful in convincing Ernesto Valverde to conduct a third cycle as first team coach. He was not the only candidate to participate in the red-and-white elections with the gasteiztarran coach as a bet for the lion’ bench, or the first to make a proposal to him after his failed experience at Barça. Ricardo Barkala also includes the current coach of the Bilbao team in his program.
Athletic’s progress over the last two and a half seasons, in any case, has been there. Enough progress, dusting off the Barge and suitcases to travel the Old Continent, fully immersed in the fight in Europe, with the top players around the world and more. What had turned everything black before, now paints a color of hope that goes beyond Lezama’s own sphere.
San Mamés vibrates with its team as it did in the old days with Valverde on the bench. Uriarte’s best signing, without a doubt.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
