Athletic Bilbao draw strength from 30,000 faithful at San Mamés open training session
Ernesto Valverde's lions prepare for gruelling January schedule across four competitions with a festive training session in front of packed home crowd
Athletic Club have reconnected with their passionate fanbase in a special end-of-year open training session, with a remarkable 30,000 supporters packing into San Mamés to cheer on Ernesto Valverde’s men.
Festive atmosphere boosts squad morale
Following their disappointing defeat to Espanyol on December 22nd, the Athletic players returned from their brief Christmas break on Monday and were treated to an incredible atmosphere at Tuesday’s public training session. The event concluded with players distributing gifts to supporters in a touching display of the club’s community spirit.
Many players’ family members were also spotted in the stands of the famous Bilbao cathedral, creating a proper family atmosphere as the squad prepares for what will be an absolutely manic January schedule.
No rest for the wicked
The lads from Bilbao are facing a proper baptism of fire to kick off 2026, with fixtures coming thick and fast across four competitions. Valverde’s squad will be working through both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day - no champagne and fireworks for this lot!
The packed schedule means:
- The team will spend Friday night in Pamplona ahead of their first match of 2026 against Osasuna
- They’ll miss celebrating Three Kings Day (January 6th) with their families
- Players will depart for Jeddah on January 5th for the Spanish Supercopa after a morning training session at Lezama
- Only two of January’s fixtures will be played at San Mamés
Injury concerns persist
The first match of 2026 will still come too soon for several key players:
- Yuri Berchiche, Aymeric Laporte and Maroan are gradually working their way back to full training
- Yuri is expected to be the first to return to action
- Alex Berenguer missed the group session, instead completing individual work with fitness coach Luis Prieto
With the home supporters right behind them, Athletic will be hoping to gather momentum for what promises to be a defining month across multiple competitions. The connection between this proud Basque club and its supporters remains as strong as ever.