Muniain: “We’re confident of returning to Europe with our fans”
Muniain: “We’re confident of returning to Europe with our fans”
Iker Muniain believes the squad is looking “very complete” as the Lions head into their pre-season training camp in Switzerland
Athletic Club captain Iker Muniain promised the Lions will not be lacking in ambition this season, stressing that they have set their sights high and are confident the presence of fans at San Mamés will drive them to success.
The Rojiblancos managed to reach three finals last season, including winning the Super Cup against FC Barcelona in January, and the skipper would like to see Athletic compete for silverware in 2021-22.
“We want to thank the fans for their patience during this long wait to see us at San Mamés again,” Muniain said at a press-conference on Thursday morning. “It’s something we’ve missed a lot, as have they, but it gives us extra motivation for the new season.
“The team is confident that, together with our fans, we can achieve the targets we all want: returning to Europe and fighting for a trophy again.
“There are a lot of wonderful challenges ahead for us. It’s time to return to Europe, to be consistent in LaLiga, to defend the Super Cup and to compete in the Copa del Rey again. Hopefully we can do it together with our people at San Mamés. That’s the best signing this season.”
Muniain chose to focus on the positives when asked to give his assessment of last season, saying: “Despite the disappointment of the Copa finals, Athletic won a new trophy and were runners-up twice.
“Few teams in Europe play three finals in the same season. We have to appreciate it because it’s worth something. It’s also true there are many things to work on, and there’s already been time for self-criticism. But now we’re working on fine-tuning those smaller details.”
The skipper also spoke about the summer transfer market, highlighting the role Lezama continues to have in producing players who can contribute to the first team.
“Every year the level of competition is higher because all the teams sign players from all over the world,” he added. “We strengthen ourselves as we can, and as we know how – with our academy. And we are very proud of that.
“Every time I start a new pre-season, it energises me to see new players coming in who have the potential to bring something to the first team.
“The fans are always waiting for new faces, and hopefully these youngsters will perform well and stay in the first team for many years to come. They have to do things well and earn the coach’s trust.”
The Lions are now into their second week of pre-season and Muniain admitted Marcelino is putting the squad through their paces.
They head to Switzerland for a week-long training camp on Friday and will play three fixtures -against St. Gallen, Dynamo Kyiv and Borussia Dortmund- while they’re in the alpine state.
Muniain said: “We are working hard on the physical, technical and tactical aspects with double and triple sessions. That’s what the coaching staff wants to do and we have full confidence in them.