First Training Session in Papendal

The Athletic Club first team members carried out the first training session in Papendal starting at 10.30 a.m.. All the players took part except Ander Murillo who will be with a plaster on his right fibula for the next two weeks, and Asier del Horno who has a torn outer calf-muscle and who will not be able to take part for at least three weeks.

Carlos Merino has trained apart from the rest, together with the physical trainer Manolo Delgado as he is suffering from an overload in the isquium of his right leg.

Today, Friday 1st August there is no training session in the afternoon

Ernesto Valverde has called upon all the available players for the match on the 2nd against ADO Den Haag and which will be played at 5 p.m. in the Super Park Stadium at The Hague.

At the head of the Athletic Club expedition are the Directors Fermin Palomar, Fede Esturo and Fernando Astorqui as well as the assistant to the presidency Jose Angel Iribar.

Declarations of Ernesto Valverde

About the concentration
“We are very happy in Papendal, I like this type of concentration. There is time to play matches against rivals that are different to our usual ones and the players only think about their work and the daily training sessions. It is an ideal place. The only thing I asked for was to cut the grass, which was a little high”.

About the Injured Players:
“Injuries are always bad for us, but I am not over-worried because there are people prepared to take their place on the squad. However, I don’t like young players to lose the pre-season because this is the base-camp for the rest of the season”.

About the Line-up:
“In these three matches I am not going to define too many things. The basic team will be seen in the match against Celta and Chievo and as the matches here on the 6th and the 8th are close together the same players cannot play. Orbaiz will play on this trip”.