Guruzeta calls for improvement as Athletic stumble into Supercopa
Athletic Club striker demands better from himself and teammates after disappointing first half of season leaves European places looking distant
Athletic Club striker Gorka Guruzeta has issued a stark assessment of his team’s first half of the season, calling for improved performances across the board as they head into the Spanish Supercopa.
Point feels like too little
After Athletic’s recent draw in Pamplona against Osasuna, where Guruzeta found the net, the forward didn’t mince his words about the team’s current situation. The Lions will finish the first half of their La Liga campaign some distance from the European places, having accumulated 24 points with a concerning goal difference of 17 scored and 25 conceded.
“The level of each player has to improve,” Guruzeta stated bluntly, highlighting the team’s scoring troubles as a particular concern. With those numbers, he believes the team isn’t going anywhere fast.
First-half frustrations
The Athletic striker didn’t try to sugar-coat their performance in the opening half of the season:
- Just 24 points from their matches so far
- Only 17 goals scored – not nearly enough
- A negative goal difference that’s hampering their progress
Guruzeta admitted the point against Osasuna “feels like too little” and described the first half of their campaign as “quite fair in points and play” – essentially acknowledging they’ve got what they deserved based on their performances.
“The feeling from this first half is that it hasn’t been good,” he added, expressing hope they can turn things around and challenge for European spots.
Personal relief
On a personal note, Guruzeta expressed relief at getting back among the goals after a dry spell. He revealed he’d been feeling confident in training but acknowledged that what matters is delivering when it counts on matchdays.
Supercopa challenge
Athletic’s next challenge is the Spanish Supercopa in Saudi Arabia, where they’ll face Barcelona in Wednesday’s semi-final. When asked about their chances, Guruzeta was realistic: “How are we going to be favourites in the Supercopa?” he questioned, before adding that in football anything can happen.
Interestingly, when asked about playing in Saudi Arabia, Guruzeta kept his response brief and diplomatic – a stark contrast to teammate Iñaki Williams’ previous outspoken comments. Reports suggest the club has asked players to tone down their remarks on the subject.
“Playing in Arabia is a decision that isn’t ours, and we play football,” was all Guruzeta would say on the matter.
If Athletic are going to make a proper fist of the second half of the season, they’ll need more than just diplomatic responses – they’ll need the improved performances Guruzeta is calling for.