Athletic legends back Valverde's men to bounce back in San Mamés derby
Former Athletic Club stars including Llorente, De Marcos and Susaeta believe the Bilbao side can overcome their Champions League disappointment against Real Sociedad.
Former Athletic Club stars remain confident their old team will rise to the occasion in Friday’s Basque derby against Real Sociedad, despite recent struggles in Europe.
In the build-up to the highly anticipated clash at San Mamés, ex-players from both sides participated in a friendly padel tournament organized by the Athletic Club Foundation, where several Lions legends shared their thoughts on the upcoming fixture.
Llorente backs home advantage
Fernando Llorente, who partnered with Ander Iturraspe for the padel event, didn’t mince his words about Athletic’s chances: “Real are coming with very positive energy in recent matches and have even overtaken us. But I believe Athletic at San Mamés are favorites.”
The former striker, whose career took him from Bilbao to Juventus, Tottenham and several other European clubs, recalled a particularly special derby memory under Marcelo Bielsa when he scored twice at Anoeta – a turning point that season when the Argentine manager was reportedly on thin ice.
De Marcos acknowledges nerves
Oscar De Marcos, who only hung up his boots last season, admitted there’s nervousness around the club’s current form but emphasized unity is crucial:
“We’ve been through these situations more than once, and I think it’s time to come together. Real Sociedad are in a very good moment and have changed their dynamic,” said the former captain.
De Marcos revealed he maintains daily contact with current squad members who are his friends, and took the opportunity to back Ernesto Valverde, describing him as “the best manager Athletic has had and could have.”
Susaeta sees opportunity
Markel Susaeta, another former captain, highlighted that Athletic have deserved more points than they’ve collected this season.
“Athletic aren’t in a good moment, but there were positive signs in the first half of the Champions League match,” said the Eibar-born winger, who finished his playing career in Australia and Japan.
Susaeta believes the derby could be a potential season-changer: “A derby is a match of feelings and you have to go out with all the confidence in the world. If Athletic win this match and the next one in the Cup, you could say the season is going well.”
With the derby atmosphere building in Bilbao, these old heads reckon their beloved Lions will be up for it on Friday night. Proper derby this – should be a right Bobby Dazzler!