Jon Uriarte announces his intention to stand in the upcoming Athletic Club elections

Upon the team's arrival at Bilbao Airport from Dortmund, Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte announced his intention to run in the upcoming presidential and board elections.

No date has been scheduled for the elections but they are expected to take place at the end of the season.

Beyond his confidence in the club's short and long-term plans, Uriarte justified the announcement by citing the need to focus the club's attention on the two senior teams in such an intense year.

"I wanted to announce this in advance to bring peace of mind and stability to the club," Jon said.

"We know that election years tend to be turbulent, with many rumours, and internally within the club it also generates a certain amount of nervousness. It may not be the best environment to work in. By showing my cards and my decision, I think I can help eliminate some of that.

He continued: "What's more, we're in the midst of bad runs for both the women's and men's first teams. Although their performances have deserved better, we've not achieved what we hoped, and this is a message of confidence. We have two great coaches doing great jobs and the squads they manage are of the highest calibre.

"We are confident that we will get through this. This Saturday we have two very important matches, which is why I want to call on the fans to get behind the squad at this time.

"We always say that at Athletic we are different, that the bond between the fans and the players is very strong, and I totally agree with that. It is in difficult times that this unity is most needed, which is why we want San Mamés to be packed to the rafters and for the fans to carry the team forward."