Athletic points to Europe: "This must be our demand"
According to Mundodeportivo.
Context
Jon Uriarte, president of Athletic Club, has emphasized the importance of a competitive squad and the continuity of the technical project. The investment in young talents and internal solutions, such as Djaló and Johaneko, reflects the club's strategy of valuing training and ensuring a sustainable future in La Liga football.
Why this matters
Jon Uriarte's statement about Athletic Club's European ambition highlights the club's determination to assert itself on the La Liga football scene. With a competitive squad and a focus on internal solutions, Athletic is preparing for a significant challenge in the search for a place in European competitions, which could have a positive impact on the team's morale and performance throughout the season.
Main conclusions
- Athletic points out to Europe: "This must be our demand."
- President Jon Uriarte reaffirms Athletic's European ambition, highlighting the priority of the League, the focus on internal solutions and the savings obtained through market exits.
- El Athletic sets itself the objective of Europe: "This must be our requirement."
Athletic Club once again set its objective to return to European competitions in the season that started about a month ago. The goal was reaffirmed by Jon Uriarte, president of the San Mamés lions, in a press conference after the market closed, which also served to take stock of the competitive start and align ambitions for the 2026-27 campaign. “We have a great squad, very competitive, even without reinforcements arriving”, said the director.
Uriarte highlighted the internal quality and confidence in the technical project. The president highlighted the presence of “three world champions” in the group and the leadership of Edin Terzic, a coach who, in his words, “fits perfectly” with the club's style. As for news, he pointed out that the “new” faces are essentially solutions from the house: Gere, Canales and Hugo Rincón arrive from successful loans, Djaló now has an opportunity in the main squad and Johaneko moves up from Bilbao Athletic, proving that training continues to be a viable path to reaching the main team.
The market was, above all, one of exits. “We had a very large squad, the result of two seasons with many competitions and long-term absences”, explained Uriarte, adding that regulatory changes regarding transfers imposed constraints on the management of surpluses. Even so, the club managed to optimize resources: “We saved more than 15 million euros between loans and salary releases for valuable players, but who were not going to play a relevant role, and we created margin for potential future revenue.”
On a sporting level, the guideline is clear: “We return to Europe for the third time in the last four years.” According to the Rojiblanco leader, Athletic's budget places the club at the level of those fighting for this objective and the demands must follow this reality. The League is seen as the “natural and logical” path, becoming a priority year after year. The Copa del Rey, in turn, maintains a special appeal in Bilbao: “The Cup enchants us and we go all out to try and win it.”
The previous season, which ended with disappointment on a whim, now serves as a stimulus and a warning: "Confidence and demand are key. Last year's disappointment must serve as motivation, but also as a warning to achieve our goals, all united." With a structure focused on stability and internal use, and after a market focused on balancing the squad and accounts, Athletic faces the new season with a defined course: competing among the best in La Liga and regaining a place in Europe.
What happens next
With the season underway, Athletic Club should focus on consolidating its position in La Liga, taking advantage of the internal quality of the squad. The integration of players like Gere, Canales and Hugo Rincón, who have already shown potential on loan, will be crucial to the club's success. Edin Terzic's leadership will also be vital in guiding the team towards its ambitious goals.
Frequently asked questions
What is Athletic Club's objective for the 2026-27 season?
Athletic Club's goal is to return to European competitions.
Who is the president of Athletic Club who reaffirmed the club's ambitions?
The president of Athletic Club is Jon Uriarte.
Which players have been mentioned as new additions to the Athletic Club squad?
The players mentioned as new additions are Gere, Canales and Hugo Rincón.
What is the financial situation of Athletic Club ap
What about the transfer market?
Athletic Club saved more than 15 million euros between loans and release of player salaries.
Who is the coach of Athletic Club and how does he fit into the club?
Athletic Club's coach is Edin Terzic, who, according to Jon Uriarte, fits perfectly into the club's style.