Jon Uriarte: “We're on the right track”

Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte said he was happy with the progress made on the pitch throughout the first half of the 2023/24 campaign, pointing to the Lions' current position in LaLiga and their Copa run.

The president was joined by director of football Mikel González as they analysed Athletic's current situation and took questions from local media outlets.

"We're on the right track, but we haven't achieved anything yet. We still have to do the most difficult part, which is managing expectations and maintaining this winning DNA," Jon said while assessing the men's and women's first teams.

Uriarte focused his analysis on LaLiga, describing it as "the competition which puts food on the table", while he also avoided making any grand predictions about the upcoming Copa semi-final.

He said: “It will be very evenly matched. Atlético are a great side and a tough opponent. But I'm sure they feel the same way about us."

The president went on to underline "the credit due for reaching five consecutive semi-finals", but stressed the need to keep feet on the ground when it comes to the knockout competition.

"We haven't won the Copa for 40 years and it's not fair to put that responsibility on the current generation of players," he added.

Mikel González said there is "an obligation" to build an "ambitious Athletic for the present and future" when speaking about the signing of Adama Boiro and others brought to Lezama during the winter transfer window.

"That players like Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet and Unai Simón believe in Athletic is an example for our youth players and an attraction for Basque footballers," the director of football continued.

Mikel González praised the contribution made to the first team by academy players and summer signing Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, stating the senior side is "where we wanted them to be" as he gave a very positive assessment of their performance so far this season.

He added: "We said we had a more complete squad and that's what they're demonstrating under Ernesto Valverde, who is the perfect coach to get the most out of this side.

"We've taken a step forward, improving our results with better football, more accuracy and a maturity which helps us stand up after any setbacks.

"All of this with the participation of the very young players who are coming up through Lezama."

Neither the president nor the director of football spoke about renewals or negotiations. However, Jon Uriarte dedicated a few words to Iker Munian, calling him "a true Athletic legend", while Mikel González indicated that "they are in contact with all the players whose contracts finish in June".

Athletic Club Women

While talking about our women's first team, Mikel González referenced the recent incorporation of Irati Martin and stressed the transitional nature of this current season.

"Footballers under the age of 24 have featured in 66% of all minutes played," he said. "At Lezama, the team is brave and competitive but they need to take a step forward away from home."

González finished by calling on Athleticzales to get to Lezama on Wednesday evening for the Lionesses' Copa quarter-final against UD Tenerife.