Jon Uriarte: "The objective is clear; we want to qualify for Europe"

Jon Uriarte, along with Ernesto Valverde and Iker Muniain, held a joint press conference to publicly establish the first team's targets for the forthcoming season.

In addition to outlining the Lions' aims in LaLiga, the president encouraged Athleticzales to turn San Mamés into a cauldron by ensuring there are no empty seats on match days.

"The objective is clear: to take a step forward compared to last year and qualify for Europe. We want to clearly demonstrate our ambition," said Jon Uriarte.

The Athletic Club president said the aim has been agreed upon by all involved, adding "it's not something that has been imposed by the Board of Directors".

He added: "It's a difficult aim, in a very competitive league and where all the teams have made great signings.”

The president also stressed that this "an objective for everyone", urging Athletic fans to get behind the players and staff by making sure San Mamés is full to the brim every week.

"We can't forget the fans. We need them to push us more than ever, to show they're the best on the planet," he said. "That won't happen just because we have a new standing singing section, which I'm sure will help, but it's a task for all Club Members and all Athleticzales."

He continued: "We need to fill San Mamés, leaving our membership cards with people we know if we can't attend or giving them out via the Club's official app."

Asked about Athletic's role in the Copa, Uriarte acknowledged that while it is "a very special competition for the Club and fans", LaLiga is a priority. 

He said: "We've made it clear to the coaching staff and the squad that, although we need to remain very competitive in the Copa, we must take a step forward in LaLiga."

Valverde agreed with Uriarte on the objective for the campaign, saying the players and first-team staff "will give their all" to be playing European football next season.

"It's a clear objective for all the players and coaching staff on this team. They'll be the first to give their all to achieve it." He declared.

Muniain underlined that players, staff and the board are "working together" towards the goal, but it was most important that the the fans are 100 percent behind the team.

"We haven't reached Europe in recent seasons," the captain said. "But we've been close and we want to take that step forward. We’re all committed and we want our fans with us always, even when we go through bad times."