Muniain :vagi:

For those that actually watch Bilbao consistently, whats the problem though? If they can outplay Man U, why came they bemore consistent in the league? Think squad? Loss of motivation, or just tiredness or tactics or what?

Sigh, thanks Athletic. Now, I'm gonna have to watch Malaga qualify for the UCL. Allow me to say this again: MALAGA is gonna qualify for the UCL. I see no love in this scenario Basque country. And I can't even contemplate seeing Levante having the 4th spot.

That and Real Madrid actually doing the treble are two very frightening concepts...

BarcaLearning wrote:For those that actually watch Bilbao consistently, whats the problem though? If they can outplay Man U, why came they bemore consistent in the league? Think squad? Loss of motivation, or just tiredness or tactics or what?

League games are differnet from Cup games you know. In a domestic game you already know what to expect from your opponent whereas in Europe it's different. I think it's the first time I've ever seen Bilbao challenge United for example.

Also, this Bilbao side is still quite young, and not used to see so much expectations put on their shoulders. Mentally, it's not easy to go out every weekend and chain up victories. Most here support top clubs and it looks normal for us to see our teams winning games, but for Bilbao is harder. Consistency is not an easy thing to achieve.

There are many other factors as well, like their depth, inexperience as mentioned, and they are a little tired lately. it's much easier for them to play cup competitions than to sustain a high level of form in the league.

They shouldnt have won their last game tho, they missed some obvious chances.

Nick, certainly it isn't unrealistic to think Athletic shouldn't be seriously challenging for 4th spot with such a talented squad. No, it isn't easy to put a chain of victories in motion (as a lifelong West Indies supporter, I know exactly how it is), however, certain expectations have to be met and results such as the one last weekend is totally unacceptable.

But you are correct in saying the squad is young, inexperienced and most importantly, doesn't have the depth to be challenging on all fronts with a consistent basis.

The expectations into this season have been exceeded.. Only so much you expect from a first year head coach with a bit limited squad.

Good interview w/Llorente

http://www.ole.com.ar/futbol-internacional/europa-league/titulo_0_665333482.html

Lord Hispano wrote:

BarcaLearning wrote:For those that actually watch Bilbao consistently, whats the problem though? If they can outplay Man U, why came they bemore consistent in the league? Think squad? Loss of motivation, or just tiredness or tactics or what?

League games are differnet from Cup games you know. In a domestic game you already know what to expect from your opponent whereas in Europe it's different. I think it's the first time I've ever seen Bilbao challenge United for example.

Mr Nick09 wrote:Also, this Bilbao side is still quite young, and not used to see so much expectations put on their shoulders. Mentally, it's not easy to go out every weekend and chain up victories. Most here support top clubs and it looks normal for us to see our teams winning games, but for Bilbao is harder. Consistency is not an easy thing to achieve.

There are many other factors as well, like their depth, inexperience as mentioned, and they are a little tired lately. it's much easier for them to play cup competitions than to sustain a high level of form in the league.

They shouldnt have won their last game tho, they missed some obvious chances.

Doc wrote:Nick, certainly it isn't unrealistic to think Athletic shouldn't be seriously challenging for 4th spot with such a talented squad. No, it isn't easy to put a chain of victories in motion (as a lifelong West Indies supporter, I know exactly how it is), however, certain expectations have to be met and results such as the one last weekend is totally unacceptable.

But you are correct in saying the squad is young, inexperienced and most importantly, doesn't have the depth to be challenging on all fronts with a consistent basis.

The first point is true maybe, teams in the league know each other well....but thats just a small factor I feel, Man U would have had plenty of time to research Bilbao and played 2 games vs them, ore a case of Bilbao played at their best and Man U just couldnt cope.

Probably a combination of the other factors mentioned - tiredness, not able to play at best level consistently due to the other reasons, inexperienced etc... I just want them to do well as a lot of ppl atm Prefer them to other teams to make the CL. But maybe more realistically should be more patience and let them strengthen and improve next season when they should make it likely.

Azpilicueta is money, shackled Ribery two games in a row, never lost in 1v1

Basurto Hospital has confirmed the death of Athletic Bilbao fan Inigo Cabacas Liceranzu from injuries sustained after last week's Europa League game against Schalke.

The 28-year-old had been in a coma because of a head wound he suffered following the second-leg encounter at San Mames.


After being removed from sedation on Monday, it was discovered that Liceranzu was displaying no signs of brain activity and the decision was taken by his family to take him off life support.

It has not yet been established how the Athletic fan suffered the injuries which claimed his life.

According to El Pais, family members and friends have claimed that Liceranzu was shot in the head with a rubber bullet by riot police, who were trying to quell violent clashes in the city centre after the 2-2 draw.

An enquiry has been launched into the incident and police sources have reportedly claimed that the cause of death will only be known after an autopsy.

Losing a fan is like losing family. I heard only recently about this but didn't dare to think that he would pass away. May he rest in peace.


Until then: Todays fixture list.

Sociedad-Betis

Granada-Bilbao

Osasuna-Espayol

2 fixtures against Andulucia (Josh :vagi:)

1 against Catalonia

RIP, really sad to hear such thing, hope his family stay strong and united

Barca vs Getafe burger king

Rest in peace Inigo Cabacas. He was so young as well.

RIP that is very sad.

3rd April, before the 2nd leg of Bilbao - Schalke

Arsene Wenger hails Athletic Bilbao as the Europe's team of the season. Says they are a "perfect" cup team

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/arsene-wenger/athletic-bilbao-europe-team-season-144255667.html#more-id

Liga BBVA | Athletic
Bielsa llamó a un hincha que le escribió desde Argentina
Joaquín Sastre envió una carta a la sede del Athletic. Lo que nunca imaginó que desde Bilbao, Bielsa levantaría el teléfono y le demostraría que es Loco, pero con un corazón generoso.

Jorge López | 13/04/2012

Habían pasado seis minutos de las 10 de la mañana de un miércoles. Joaquín Sastre, como todos los días, trabajaba en su oficina en Buenos Aires. Y entonces sonó el teléfono: "Hola, soy Marcelo. ¿Usted es Joaquín?".

Joaquín Sastre es contador, nació en Villa Dolores, Córdoba, y tiene 24 años. Juega el fútbol en la mitad del campo del equipo de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba y es bielsista. Un fanático del Loco. "¿Usted es Joaquín? He recibido una carta con su nombre", le dijo Bielsa tras el saludo . "Sí, soy yo. No corte, espere que salga afuera... ¿Usted es Marcelo... Bielsa? ", respondió el fan. "No me salían las palabras, estaba muy nervioso, no entendía nada. No sabía qué decirle, me sorprendió porque sabía todo lo de mi carta", reconoció.

El 28 de febrero del 2012, Joaquín le envió una carta a la sede del Athletic Club de Bilbao. El destinatario era Marcelo Bielsa y contenía tres carillas escritas de puño y letra. "La escribí así porque lo sentía más auténtico. Me llevó dos días hacerla y la envié borroneada y tachada, quería que fuese así porque la escribí con el corazón. Le dije que es un ejemplo de vida, que no podía creer que me haya llamado y le deseé suerte para el partido de la tarde (igualó 2-2 con el Granada)". Lo que nunca imaginó que desde Bilbao, Marcelo Bielsa levantaría el teléfono y le demostraría que es Loco, pero con un corazón generoso.



Bielsa

Dat random fan luck.

The humble crazy man

non spanish speakers :vagi:

Bielsa

also Munain doubtful for tomorrow

I can haz english?

From Sporting Club with love...

From West Landan with lurve

We saw it didn't we. Years under slumps and bad managing, the Basque light was down but not out. We went underground diligently almost working as a unit as Bilbao, Sociedad, Osasuna, Gaitzkez all realized the importance of bringing back Basque glory. I, Cataracho all have said it, the Basques will be a force in the Liga once again and sooner or later, more than before. Soon we will dominate the Spanish NT with our players as the signs already are there.

Now, lead by faithful student of Basque football, Marcelo Bielsa, Bilbao have conquered United, destroyed Schalke and overcame the spirited Portuguese.

Iturraspe, Javi, Ander, Aurtunexte and Mr. 2 goals and 1 assists clutch Fernando Llorente all with a magnificent performance to make the comeback, winning the Iberian Derby.

Now, to conquer those degenera from Madrid.

It had to be, it had to come, hate all you want, the Basque have returned. It has been the day we knew would happen, that we dreamed of.

God damn it feels good to be Basque.



Vamos Bielsa. Gora Euskadi! ARI!!!!

calm down arq

Beat em' for us Arq. Beat tham all.

Bilbao are the real 3rd team in La Liga.