Athletic Bilbao: Basque-ing in Glory

Saves haven't been going my way recently as I've just not managed to get past a single as the type of season I've been looking for has eluded me so far. This is a save I've always looked at. As most of you will know the main challenge with Bilbao is the fact that you can only sign players from the Basque area of Spain or Spaniards who are 16y/o or younger so they have their football education in the Basque region.

The club play their football at the 53,332 seat capacity Estadio San Mames where having our home fans behind us will be key going forward.

Bilbao most recently won the Copa del Rey in 2024 but since the season hasn't been played yet its not been recoreded in the original database but since I'm using the FM inside update it is written into the clubs history. They last won the title though in 1984.

The board want us to continue fighting for European football every season with us eventually breaking into the top 4 and getting into the Champions League. This season I fully expect us to get through the initial group stage of the Europa League so we should tick off the ambition of getting into the later stages of the competition. The Copa del Rey will be a bit different though as it will be reliant on who we draw as we work our way through the rounds.

​The fans have high expectations of how they want us to play football as we've to play high tempo, direct and attacking football but if we need to go against it to get a decent position in the league then I won't hesitate to do it.
 

We've got a decent amount of money in the bank at the moment and we have just over £20million to spend to try and sign some Basque players to improve the squad which we'll get into in the next update.

The Squad

The squad has a good spine with the following players:

Unai Simon (GK)

A very capable keeper and the current Spanish No.1 will be key for us over the next few seasons as he is going to be our rock between the sticks.

Dani Vivian (CB)

At only 23 Vivian is only going to get better as he gets older and will hopefully get capped by Spain in the future

 Oihan Sancet (CM)

Our playmaker in the middle of the park and again the same as Vivian he will no doubt be called up by the national team in the future but he will run our midfield for years to come 

 Nico Williams (Winger) 

The future of the club, the younger of the two brothers here as Nico is going to be a key player for the club for a long time as he picks up the mantle from his brother. With a £43m release clause we quickly tied him down to a new contract and increased it to ensure that we wont lose him over the next season or two on the cheap.

 Inaki Williams

Inaki Williams is a verstaile attacker who can be both quick and clinical. He started off his career as a wingers but due to the rules at the club he has found himself playing upfront due to a lack of quality striker and his goal return does show that as he very rarely gets into double figures which we will be looking to change

We now look at the rest of the squad which lacks quality and also its an aging squad. Our best fullbacks are 34 and 33, while our best backup is 31.  The best and only striker outside Inaki is is 26 and pretty bad and hasn't played at this level before. We have 6 players in the squad over the 30 with the oldest being 37 who we will need to use over the coming season.

We probably won't recruit in the first window at least due to the salary cap with renewing a few contracts right at the start, next if we are going to spend money then they need to be of sufficient quality to actually replace the older legends at the club who have all shown tremendous loyalty to stay at the club as long as they have.

With the squad that we have then I'll be looking to play a 4-3-3 with a DM to try and help out the defence but also help get the ball forward out of our defence as well while we're in possession. 

A mixed preseason at the club as we got use to the formation and how I wanted everybody to play but there was a couple of positives that came out of the wins against Villa and Monaco.

August

A tricky opening month here against 3 teams who are more than capable of beating us, especially if we don't perform

August

With no leavers or no joiners this month there is no real change to the team apart from us recalling Unai Vencedor from Racing Santander to add a bit more depth but he will be straight into the starting XI for us as well to add a bit more youth to the middle of the park .

Athletic Bilbao v Girona

The perfect start to our campaign here as we open the scoring nice and early from a corner before Vesga scores an absolute screamer to double the lead. 

Valencia v Athletic Bilbao

What a disappointing first half here as we just couldn't cope with Valencia at all. One thing obvious from this game though was that Williams was struggling up front but hopefully after only 2 goals its nothing to worry about.

Athletic Bilbao v Celta de Vigo

A bit of a disappointing draw here as we really struggled to get the ball upfront here as we did the last game but at least our defence was a lot better as we keep a clean sheet.

League

Not the best and not the worse opening 3 games here for us but we we're still close to the European spots as Real look like they could run away with the title very quickly

September

Some winable games this month if we can get the ball forward. The big test is going to be Barcelona though this month and the way things went against Valencia then it could be horrible

September

CD Leganés v Athletic Bilbao

We finally put in a performance to be proud of here against the team bottom of the league but the Williams brothers linked up here to produce moments of magic.

FC Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao

We actually played really well here defensively so we can be proud of the performance even though we lost.

​Europa League

Qarabağ v Athletic Bilbao

Well it was a hell of a start and finish to the game here. Who would of thought that it would get the goal right on half time that would separate the two teams. I am disappointed with the 2 goals we conceded right at the end as the legs had just gone.

Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna

A disappointing fraw here but again fitness and rotation are going to be an issue for us this season especially if injuries happen.

Alavés v Athletic Bilbao

A great win for us as we score from a very quick corner to get us started and then the worst new hit as Nico Williams is injured for 4-6 weeks and he's going to be a big loss for us. We don't let it hamper us here though as we manage another 3 goals.

League

We've jumped up the league a bit here now as we're up to 7th spot with a lot of football to paly

October

6 games to squeeze into just 18 days here so we're going to need to be at our best and try and keep players fit. Real Madrid is going to be a big test with tired players though come the end of the month

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October

Athletic Bilbao v Las Palmas

Williams gets us off to a flyer here with a great goal from a long ball over the defence for him to get on the end of and slot home. We were fully in control here and it produced a great result.

Europa League

Athletic Bilbao v Tottenham

We knew this was going to be a very tough game and we got very lucky here with a very late goal from Djalo who we have needed to step up while Nico Williams is injured and he did a great job here.

RCD Mallorca v Athletic Bilbao

With a lot of tired legs here then we had to rotate the squad where we could and it cost us here as we just couldn't move the ball quickly enough to break down the Mallorca defence.

Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad

I really wanted a better result here in the first derby match under my management but sadly it wasn't to be as we had to settle for a draw.

​Europa League

Feyenoord v Athletic Bilbao

Our third match in the Europa League as again we had to rely on a very late goal to get us a big point.

Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao

A terrible 2nd half here as Mbappe ran us ragged here and we sadly paid the price.

League

Even after a poor month with 1 win, 2 draws and a lost we still find ourselves in 7th spot just outside the European spots.

November

We really need to up our game this month in the league but we have 3 very tough games around our Europa League games where we want to make sure we progress.

November

Athletic Bilbao v Real Betis

It was important for us to bounce back after the Real loss and we do just that here with goals from Williams and Vesga. I was worried when Roque equalised but we pulled through and got the win.

Athletic Bilbao v Feyenoord

We really struggled against Feyenoord in Rotterdam but at home it was a different story  as Williams has found a purple patch of form as he scores a brace here.

Atlético Madrid v Athletic Bilbao

What a horrible start to the game here as Venecedor makes a mistake here which really cost us as Madrid his us hard quickly and it worked as we only got things sorted out after the 3rd goal.

Athletic Bilbao v Sevilla

Nico Williams is back with a bang here as gets 2 goals as well as assisting in 3 of his brothers goals as well as we absolutely demolish Sevilla here.

Athletic Bilbao v Qarabağ

We rested some key players in this game and at half time it looked like it could backfire but some choice words at half time to remind them that we are the better team made the difference as we came out fighting and raced into the lead within 4 minutes.

League

We remain in 7th spot here but have fallen further behind 4th spot now.

December

A much easier month in the league here as we play teams around us and we also enter the cup in the first round with what should be a very easy game.

December

Real Valladolid v Athletic Bilbao

A really underwhelming match here with the penalty being the only meaningful chance for either team.

Athletic Bilbao v Espanyol

Guruzeta was given a very rare start here due to injuries down the wings and he grabbed it with both hands here as we get a big win against a good team.

Getafe v Athletic Bilbao

We follow it up with another good result as we took full advantage of the sending off and confusion of players being moved around with a big deflection from the free kick.

Europa League

Tottenham v Athletic Bilbao

We knew this was going to be a very tough game and two goals minutes into each half hit our confidence and we just couldn't get any real chances.

Athletic Bilbao v Rayo Vallecano

We had a lot of tired players on the pitch here after the Spurs game and it showed here, especially in the final goal where the legs had gone from most people on the pitch.

Copa del Rey 1st Round

Cartagena v Athletic Bilbao

Well a rotated squad nearly cost us here as they just couldn't keep the ball at all in the first half. It meant some choice words were needed at half time to remind the team of why they were still favourites and the players should take their chances and it was the vetran who got us back into the game before a goal came from midfield and then Garcia got his 2nd to make sure we get into the 2nd round.

League

​We're back into the European spots here after a good month but the race for the European spots are wide open at the moment.
 

January

Big games in the league now as we've hit the halfway point of the season but more importantly we have another very favourable draw in the Copa del Rey to give backup players a run out again.

January

Athletic Bilbao v Valencia

Williams has been called up for the Africa Cup of Nations so Guruzeta is going to get a run of games this month and what a start he makes before getting a 2nd which is enough for us to get revenge for the last time we played Valencia

Girona v Athletic Bilbao

Berenguer had a game to remember and a game to forget here as his sending off cost us the game here in my opinion.

Copa del Rey 2nd Round

Andratx v Athletic Bilbao

We rotated some members of the squad and veteran striker Garcia was the stand out player here with a great hat-trick. Williams and Vega got a couple of braces as well to hopefully try and build some confidence in their scoring as well.

Villarreal v Athletic Bilbao

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A tough game here but an exciting 2 minutes game the fans everything they needed as we walk away with a point.

Copa del Rey 3rd Round

Gijon v Athletic Bilbao

​A solid first half from us here as we don enough to progress into the 4th round.

Celta de Vigo v Athletic Bilbao

A poor result in my eyes as we really need to be beating the teams sitting around the bottom of the table

Copa del Rey 4th Round

Getafe v Athletic Bilbao

The result doesn't flatter us here but we played really well with giving players like Garcia a run out again to try and give other people a well needed rest as we now move onto the Quarter Finals

Transfer Out

Deadline day rolled around and Betis made an offer for  Yuri and at 33 and for the salary he was on then it made sense to cash in as he would only have a couple of years left in him anyway

Transfers In

With Yuri gone then it was vital to sign a replacement and we did just that with signing Aihen Muñoz from local rivals Real Sociedad for £18.75m. Even though its a big fee he will be our left back for the next few years at least so will get our money out of him.

League

For the first time this season we move into the Champions League spots

but its very close behind us so we need to remain at our best

February

A busy month for our players here as we have to mix league football with the cup and Europe

February

Athletic Bilbao v CD Leganés

Thanks to injuries then Garcia is having to start upfront for us again and he's rolling back the years here for us as we get a big win.

Copa del Rey Quarter Final

Malaga v Athletic Bilbao

Malaga gave us a proper game here as we had to rely on extra time here which is something we could of really done without with the amount of games we currently have.

Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona

A close game here but ultimately the better team won.

Europa League Knock Out 1st Leg

Bayer Leverkusen v Athletic Bilbao

We really didn't turn up here and it cost us but at least going into the home leg there is only the 1 goal in it.

Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao

A great opening 11 minutes for us as we took a 2-1 lead but ultimately couldn't take the chances after that. 

Europa League Knock Out 2nd Leg

Athletic Bilbao v Bayer Leverkusen

Everything is better at home as we score a very lucky deflection before Vivian is able to rise above the rest to head home the winning goal right at the end for us. 

Athletic Bilbao v Alavés

We tried to rest some players here with the next game in mind and we were very unlucky to lose here with the final kick of the ball.

Copa del Rey Semi Final

Atlético de Madrid v Athletic Bilbao

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We came so close to causing an upset in the opening leg here but again the legs had gone and it cost us here as we have it all to do now in the 2nd leg.

League

We've dropped back down to 5th spot but we're still in the European mix but 7th spot is also only a point behind us

March

The amount of games is starting to take its toll on us and its going to be another busy month here with a lot of big games especially at the end of the month.

March

Las Palmas v Athletic Bilbao

A really poor result here and we should of done a lot better.

Europa League Round of 16 1st Leg

Athletic Bilbao v Club Brugge

A great game in front of our own fans here, Oscar De Marcos gets a very rare goal from bombing up the field from his RB position as we hold a slim lead going into the 2nd leg.

Athletic Bilbao v Mallorca

We've suffered a lot of European hangovers this season so it was nice to break that here as Sancet fires home from just outside the box.

Europa League Round of 16 2nd Leg

 Club Brugge v Athletic Bilbao

We went to Belgium full of hope here and Tzolis broke our hearts sending us to extra time but thankfully Guruzeta was able to come on as a sub and scores with 5 minutes to go to send us to the quarter finals.

Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao

What a win over our rivals here as we went in with a very tired team again and Guruzeta was the main threat for us all game and he scored a huge goal for us.

Copa del Rey Semi Final 2nd Leg

Athletic Bilbao v Atlético Madrid

Confidence was high here going into this game and we believed that we could turn the game around and we did it with great goals from Prados and Djalo scoring just before Griezmann equalised but the fact we took this game to extra time and penalties gives us hope for a future cup win.

Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid

We came so close to getting a point and it was the tired legs again here that cost us as Real just knew when to step it up a gear when we were flagging.

League

We drop down to 6th spot now but we're still in the mix with 8 games to go.

Youth Intake

A good youth intake is vital every year or two for promoting from within to stay competitive and we get a few players through here who could make it.

Pierre Calvo

The best of the players to come through and Calvo looks like he could develop into a top striker. He needs to work on his pace and Acceleration but that can all be done with training.

Nacho Llorente

Could you get a more Spanish name but it looks like he could be an ok central midfielder for us if he does well in training over the next few years.

Gorka Sarriegi

We've been playing with a CDM this season and its been working well for us and Sarriegi should develop into a good CDM for us if we can improve his work rate.

Xabier Garmendia

Our final player who may have potential but at the moment I don't really think he'll do much for us apart from make up numbers but we'll see.

April

A big double header with Aston Villa in the Europa League and we don't have a great history with English teams after struggling against Spurs at the start of the competition.

April

Athletic Bilbao v Atlético Madrid

Sadly we couldn't repeat the last result against Atletico as we sadly fall to a defeat.

 Real Betis v Athletic Bilbao

We bounce straight back here, the own goal was disappointing but Williams scored a cracker in the 2nd half to win the game.

Europa League Quarter Final 1st Leg

Athletic Bilbao v Aston Villa

We've not had the best luck against English teams this season and I was hoping we might have been able to get a result at home but it wasn't to be.

Europa League Quarter Final 2nd Leg

Aston Villa v Athletic Bilbao

Rashford was just unplayable here as he did excellently from the left wing. Nico Williams did score his 4th goal in 4 games this month though which has been great to see.

Sevilla v Athletic Bilbao

Another win in the league here as Inaki Williams scored two good goals to ensure we did the double over Sevilla this season.

League

We hold onto 6th spot here as we've pretty much given up hope of the Champions League spots now and its looking like Real Madrid have the league wrapped up as well.

May

The final 5 games of the season now and it could go either way as 3 of the teams are fighting relegation so they could be tough

May

Athletic Bilbao v Real Valladolid

With a European spot on the line the players knew exactly what we expected from them and they put in a good performance which was helped by us scoring 2 penalties.

Espanyol v Athletic Bilbao

A result here that all but pretty much relegates Espanyol after a very good opening 20 minutes as young defender Paredes scores a great header.

Athletic Bilbao v Getafe

Nico Williams really stepped up here with a goal right at the end of each half and the fact he had the balls to step up right at the end and win the game shows how good he is.

Rayo Vallecano v Athletic Bilbao

We are having a fine run of form at the moment as with another clean sheet as well here but its great to see both wingers getting on the score sheet.

Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal

This was a must win game for Villarreal for them to avoid relegation and they just didn't show up with any fight at all here as we made light work of them to seal their fate and send the yellow submarine down.

League

A great season for us here as we had originally thought that all we had managed was qualifying for the Europa League but thanks to Spain's coefficient then we managed to nab ourselves a Champions League spot for next season

Budgets and Plan

I'm not going to lie I was hoping for a better budget as we're not going to bring anybody in for that to improve the squad so I see very little movement during the transfer window as I don't plan on moving anybody on either unless release clauses are activated so don't expect to see any changes.

Season 2

Squad

Well as expected there have been no major changes to the squad as we didn't have the budget to bring anybody in to actually improve the squad as I would of liked. Raúl García and Óscar De Marcos both sadly retired at the end of the season but I have added them to the U19 coaching team as even though neither have great coaching stats at the moment I fully believe they will have a big impact on the youth players. We did have some players return from loan as well like Nico Serrano and Adu Ares who will add a bit more depth down the wings and be good rotation options when they need to take the step up.

Friendlies

A mixed preseason with us beating all the teams I'd expect us to beat but we lost all 3 challenging games which I was using as tests for the Champions League this season and it looks like we might struggle but we'll see how it goes

Board Expectations

the expectations this season don't differ too much from last year with just looking to qualify for the Europa League which I think should be fine until we're able to start improving the squad over the next few seasons. Champions League as long as we don't embarrass ourselves then we should be fine

August

Not the worst start to the season with an opener against Granada who have just been promoted but the big game of the month in the derby match against Real Sociedad which we will throw everything at.

August

Athletic Bilbao v Granada

A perfect start to the league for us here as the Williams brothers as they score within 3 minutes of each other as we get a big win and a clean sheet.

Sevilla v Athletic Bilbao

Sevilla were an easy win last season but this year its totally different as we really had to fight to take the lead before they pegged back within 5 minutes.

Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad

​The fans favourite game of the season here and we fall behind but Williams pulls back just 2 minutes later before getting his 2nd just before half time. Berenguer then doubles the lead 8 minutes from time for us to have the bragging rights.
 

Cádiz v Athletic Bilbao

Our form continues as we round off the month with another win to go undefeated. Inaki Williams scores again though to take his tally to 5 after the 4 games so hopefully he continues this form through the rest of the season.

League

| very strong start for us here as we sit 2nd in the table even if there are 34 more games to play this season.

Champions League

I don't think we could of got a worse set of games if we tried here. Looking at them in my opinion there is only one game that I see us winning which is against FC Kobenhavn and even then that could be a push.

September

We start of our Champions League journey here against Valencia with very winnable games across the rest of the month in the league as well for us to make the best possible start

September

Athletic Bilbao v Las Palmas

A strong start to the month here and Gorosabel has stood up this season as he has stepped into the team to replace the retired de Marcos and he was rewarded with a fine goal here.

Champions League

Valencia v Athletic Bilbao

Our first foray into the Champions League this season and its against a team we know well thanks to the league and it pays dividends

Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao

Back to league action and we rotate the squad here and Guruzeta and Djalo took their chances here

Athletic Bilbao v Celta Vigo

We were already 2 goals up when the sending off happened but we were able to take full advantage of it as well to score a whopping 6 goals in 51 minutes before giving them a chance.

RCD Mallorca v Athletic Bilbao

Williams has been phenomenal so far this season and he gets another 2 goals here before being taken off which is a shame as Guruzeta replaced him and slotted home from the spot as well.

League

An undefeated month here for us as we are just 2 points off the top. Its a worry that Real Madrid are unbeaten in 8 games though as its a bad omen for the rest of the season.

October

A horrible 4 games to start the month but at least we have 2 easier games right at the end. Its going to be tough to keep players fit though as they will be needing to give 100% in each and every match

October

Champions League

AC Milan v Athletic Bilbao

A tale of two halves here as we had a very solid opening half and had a narrow lead at half time before they scored within the opening 4 minutes of the half and then right with the final kick of the ball which was heart-breaking

Athletic Bilbao v Valencia

​We bounce straight back here thanks to a penalty and then a great striker from Vesga right at the end for the 3 points

Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao

Not a lot to say here apart from that the better team won.

Champions League

Athletic Bilbao v Chelsea

One of our best defensive performances this season here as even though Williams scored for us to take the lead we suffered an absolute barrage of shots on our goal and our defenders and keeper were instrumental here to our win.

Athletic Bilbao v Alves

​Inaki Williams has been sensational so far this season with the amount of goals he's been scoring for us and he's instrumental for us. Sancet has been brilliant for us too and been rewarded with a cap for Spain.

Almeria v Athletic Bilbao

We had to properly fight for this win here as for the opening hour we were lucky to only be 1 goal behind but we showed our quality for the final half hour as Williams and Djalo rescued us.

League

12 games in and we have a 1 point lead at the top of the table. Real Madrid do have a game in hand though but its currently a 3 horse race as Barca sit a bit further back in 4th

November

A tough month with our games in the Champions league and opener against Real Madrid but at least the games against Getafe and Girona are winable

November

Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao

​Real Madrid keep their run going over us as we know its going to take years to catch them

​Champions League

Broussia Dortmund v Athletic Bilbao

A very respectable draw in Germany for us to keep our chances alive in to get through the group stage.

Athletic Bilbao v Getafe

A very lucky result here as we had to rely on two penalties to get past Getafe but a win is a win

Girona v Athletic Bilbao

What an end to the game here as Djalo came on with 20 minutes to go but he was able to use his pace against tired defenders and it made the difference here as they couldn't cope with him cutting in off the wing and taking them on

Champions League

Athletic Bilbao v Bayer Leverkusen

I was hoping for a better performance here in front of our own fans but sadly it wasn't to be.

Athletic Bilbao v Real Valladolid

Nico Williams has a great game here as he's continues to show bursts of quality. If he can do it on a regular basis then teams are in trouble.

League

16 games played and we're top of the league. Real Madrid are only a point behind but have 2 games in hand. If things continue the way their going then top 4 should be easy.

December

Big games against Liverpool and Atletico Madrid this month before a nice easy game to start our run in the Copa del Rey