Jon Uriarte: “It was an outstanding year and now we want more”

Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte and director of football Mikel González offered a positive assessment of the club's performance on the pitch over the 2023/24 campaign, describing it as "an outstanding year".

Both figures referenced the accomplishment of objectives set at the beginning of the season: European qualification for the men's first team and a top-eight finish for the women's first team. The analysis was encouraging as the two teams finished fifth in their respective standings and the men's side also lifted the much-coveted 25th Copa.

"It has been an outstanding year, and now we want more," reiterated the president throughout the conference, highlighting both the satisfaction for what has been achieved and the ambition with which Athletic must face next season's challenges.

At the beginning of his presentation, Jon Uriarte referred to the conclusions of last year's review: self-criticism, ambition and optimism, and linked them to the messages that he also wants to convey this year.

He said: "High standards, which are impossible to separate from self-reflection or analysis. Continuous improvement, which we can't tackle without ambition and humility. Unity, which is what feeds optimism at this club, because when Athletic is united, we're capable of achieving everything."

Furthermore, Uriarte dedicated a few words of thanks to Athletic fans all over the world for their support, to Club Members and to our first-team squads.

"We know that our players believe in the Athletic project. A project "Made In Euskal Herria" in which La Gabarra has gone from being a memory to a driving force."

Mikel González based his analysis and presentation on a summary of the most relevant data and figures from the past season.

Regarding the men's first team, the director of football pointed out that last year's evaluation suggested there was cause for optimisim, an opinion that has been validated throughout the season.

Accuracy in specific moments, both in defence and attack, has consolidated Ernesto Valverde's side's style of play, one based on Athletic's brand of intensity and hard work.

Mikel further highlighted the work done to strengthen the depth of the men's first team squad and the new incoporations such as Álvaro Djaló and Andoni Gorosabel.

"The new season is going to be demanding," he said. "We'll have more than 50 matches and we have to keep working as we have done so far: looking to inspire our fans with our spirit, ambition and confidence. We're focused on working to achieve an attractive project. We want to compete in Europe and fight for trophies."

As for the women's team, González noted number of young players breaking into the starting XI and the upward trajectory of a squad which achieved its objectives with a fantastic run in the second half of the campaign. The quality in the women's first team is reflected in the number of international players: three full internationals and six under-23s.

The director of football also mentioned the contract renewals signed during the season, including that of head coach David Aznar.

Questions from the floor

Jon was optimistic when asked about Alex Berenguer possibly signing a new deal. "When both parties have the same objective, which is to continue together, reaching an agreement makes sense," he said.

Talking about Unai Simón's wrist operation, González reiterated that Athletic and the player agreed the operation would take place once the goalkeeper's European Championship campaign ends.

Finally, the president the president emphasised how happy the club is with the attendance figures at The Cathedral: "Our obsession is that San Mamés is always full. The people who visit us say that it is the best stadium they have ever been to and that the atmosphere is incredible."