Gurpegui: “Our job is to prepare players for first-team football”

Carlos Gurpegui reiterated his primary goal as CD Basconia’s head coach is to ensure the youngsters are ready for senior football when the time comes.

Gurpegui took the reigns at Athletic’s third team in December of last season and remains in charge for the upcoming campaign.

“Our job is to develop players and make sure they’re prepared when they get to the first-team,” Gurpegui said as Basconia started pre-season training on Tuesday morning.

“The main thing is that we take in a group of players in July and by time May comes around they have improved. We have to help them and get the best out of them.

“We have to ensure Basconia is recogniseable, as similar as is possible to what Bilbao Athletic and the first team require.”

The youngsters had a noteworthy campaign in 2021/22, reaching the Tercera RFEF play-offs under Gurpegui. Now, with a new generation of footballers under his wing, and a revamped coaching staff, Carlos is hoping for more of the same.

“I’m happy and very excited,” he said. “It’s practically a new team and the lads coming through are desperate to impress. It’s important we start the season well and that we fight to win every match.”