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Elizegi: “Our greatest source of strength is Lezama”

Elizegi: “Our greatest source of strength is Lezama”

Athletic Club’s president gave his assessment of the 2020-21 campaign: “It has been bittersweet, but with time we’ll appreciate it more”

Athletic Club president Aitor Elizegi admitted it has been a season of ups and downs as he gave an evaluation of the 2020-21 campaign in a press conference at San Mamés.

“It has been a bittersweet season, with beautiful moments that we will all remember, such as winning the Super Cup trophy after beating Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. But, without doubt, there were other moments in which we weren’t at the level required,” Elizegi said.

“We had high hopes for April, and in the important moments we were not at our best. We need to be more consistent in terms of competitiveness and how we close out seasons.”

Delving deeper into the matter, the Athletic Club president stressed that the side could have done better in LaLiga. 

“In LaLiga we created expectations that weren’t fulfilled and could have been. The objective is clear, to fight year after year to qualify for Europe,” he said.

Elizegi continued: “We are facing a scenario where both Marcelino and Iraia will have a full pre-season and season ahead of them. It is our duty to create a balanced squad where this is competition for each position. The Sports Department is working with both coaches to achieve this.”

Asked about possible signings and other movements in the transfer window, Elizegi insisted that relying on and supporting Lezama will always be key to any transfer strategy.

“Our greatest source of strength is here at Lezama, and we see that every day” he added. “We train players to join the senior squad, and improve and develop competition in every position.

“We also know our limitations in the market and that is why we have to make the right moves.

“The Sports Department is working to decide which players will compete for a position and which ones do not meet the required level at the moment.”

Elizegi also commented on Joseba Etxeberria’s departure from the Bilbao Athletic dugout, saying:  “Joseba has had a successful period at Lezama. He has trained players so that they can compete at the professional level, and that was his role.

“We wish him luck and hope that he will have a successful career at the highest level, and that one day he will cross paths with Athletic again.”