Bingen Arostegi Interviewed

‘We’ve accomplished the first objective’

Bingen Arostegi (Bermeo, 1969) is the coach of the rojiblanco Junior Honour Division team, current champion in its group and that in less than a month will dispute the Champions Cup. We have talked to him to learn his impressions after winning the Liga Championship with one matchday remaining, after defeating Osasuna by 5-1.

– What have been the keys to this team?

The first, that we have put together a good human group. We have worked hard and the youngsters have responded very well. The work dynamics has been excellent, we’ve trained intensely and, in that sense, we are very pleased. Hard work pays off, but not only this season because these players have been learning in Lezama for many years.

– The evaluation of the season must be really positive, right?

Yes, quite positive, because it’s not easy to win the Liga. Besides, we’ve moved up players to Baskonia and Bilbao Athletic. About aspiring to win the final phase is another fight, because we are going to face very strong teams. We have great expectations.

– At the beginning of the season, was such success anticipated?

All new projects are attractive and exciting. Besides, only one can win and it’s not easy. There were expectations with this team and the Club put a lot of faith in them, and we’ve finally had the luck of fulfilling the immediate goal.

– It looks like the players, the authentic spearhead of the cantera project, have evolved substantially

Yes, they’ve made good progress. They came from a good line; they’ve played in difficult situations and have always come through, not only in the championship, but also in the Tournaments that we’ve played in Asturias, in Galicia… Now, they have a good opportunity to close off a great year with the Champions Cup, which is yet a higher demand in view of its projection.

– From your role, do you think there is ‘material’ for the first team in this squad?

Athletic is a cantera (reserves) club, therefore there will always be players. I see it in this team, just like I’ve seen it other years. But reaching the first team is very difficult and there are many circumstances that can influence. Here there are always projections in all the squads. Besides, the scouting department is working hard for the best ones to be here. That’s why, the juniors and cadets, mainly, have a good batch of players.


– Joaquín Caparrós follows the evolution of the reserves quite closely. What has he told you with regards to the title?

I think he was present at the match against Osasuna. I spoke to him this morning and he congratulated me.

– Now the objective is the Champions Cup…

It will be disputed between 3 and 10 May. It’s a week-long tournament with the champion teams from the seven groups.

– What references do we have about this competition?

Few really, it’s not been long since it started. We know that all the teams are taking the best players they can. Everyone wants to play it and it’s clear that it is going to be a complicated but appealing mission.

– Whatever happens, it’s clear the squad have already set a milestone.

Yes, I think it’s been many years our group hasn’t won. It is good because it is going to allow us to dispute really demanding matches against very good rivals, who even have foreign players on their rosters. But that is going to mean an increase in development for our youngsters.

– What awaits the Junior Honour Division players in the immediate future?

Well, that will have to be decided by management… It depends on many factors. Sometimes it is better to keep a player in the same category so that he can play, even though it is with younger players, so that he can gain more game experience. Certainly, it’s better than moving up category to later not play. But I insist that the technical management will determine what is best for them.