Iñaki Williams: “This is one of the strongest Athletic sides I can remember”
Iñaki Williams: “This is one of the strongest Athletic sides I can remember”
The skipper spoke to the press about Athletic's pre-season preparations and their ambitions for the 2025/26 campaign
Athletic Club captain Iñaki Williams reiterated that the current Lions' squad is one of the best he's been involved with since breaking into the first team.
In a little under three weeks Athletic kick off the 2025/26 season with a match against Sevilla FC at San Mames and the new skipper is feeling confident about the team's prospects.
“We're committed to being ambitious," Iñaki said at a press conference on Tuesday morning.
"With the new signings and the young players coming in, we're making great strides. This is one of the strongest Athletic sides I can remember since I joining."
On a personal note, Iñaki feels ready to take over as captain, giving credit to his predecessors for preparing him for the role.
He said: “I've had good teachers. I've progressing quickly since joining at under-18 level. Becoming captain after coming up through the academy and then establishing myself in the first team isn't easy. With hard work, effort and humility, I've achieved it and I'm really looking forward to it."
©️ Captain @Williaaams45 on the mic! 🎙️
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) July 29, 2025
"I'm ready. This is a dream come true."
"I feel proud to have come through the academy, established myself in the first team and now take over the armband." #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/ahZ9xlZIad
Ernesto Valverde's charges have an exciting season ahead, especially with the added challenge of a Champions League campaign.
"For many players, it will be their first time in the Champions League, and it's very exciting," he said.
"We're in very good shape. We have to keep working hard, and maintaining a low profile, as we have done so far, which has brought us such good results.
"In Bilbao, there's a great desire to hear that [Champions League] anthem again. The Copa is always very important to us and our progress in LaLiga keeps us focused and helps the club to grow. We will try to keep doing what we've done in recent years. That's the right path to follow."
🔝 "We have one of the best squads that I've seen since I've been here. We're taking great strides forward."
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) July 29, 2025
"The @ChampionsLeague is an exciting challenge, the Copa is very important and fighting for Europe in @LaLigaEN helps us grow."
🎙️ @Williaaams45#AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/iYKA0XuJTt
Los Leones are almost halfway through their pre-season preparations, with four matches left, including three against Champions-League level opponents in Liverpool (double-header at Anfield) and Arsenal.
The captain believes these tough tests will stand the squad in good stead when it comes to the demands of playing in four competitions.
He added: “We're building towards the start properly, with new additions and new teammates.
"We have a very strong group here. We're going to fight to stay towards the top of the table so that Athletic fans can be proud of their players.
"I don't think the top continental competition and so many matches will take their toll on us, because rotation will help. The key is to find a balance within the team. That's what will keep us fresh when everything is up for grabs in the final stretch."
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