Mikel González's future at Athletic Bilbao hanging in the balance
Athletic's Director of Football faces uncertain times as Jon Uriarte prepares for possible re-election, with transfer market missteps and coaching decisions under scrutiny.
With the presidential elections looming in June, Mikel González’s position as Athletic Bilbao’s Director of Football appears increasingly precarious as Jon Uriarte prepares his re-election bid.
Club at a crossroads
On the pitch, Athletic find themselves in a relatively decent position. Despite not playing the most scintillating football, two consecutive victories have put them back in the hunt for European qualification. In the Copa del Rey, they’re just one win away at Anoeta from reaching the final – not a far-fetched scenario, even if their performances could do with some polishing.
But off the pitch, things are rather more complicated. The club is navigating the early stages of an electoral process set to culminate in June, with current president Jon Uriarte the only pre-candidate so far. While Uriarte plans to retain most of his board, González’s future remains decidedly up in the air.
González’s record under scrutiny
Appointed in November 2022 after a four-month vacancy in the role, González’s tenure has been marked by several questionable decisions that have raised eyebrows around San Mamés:
- Gaps in squad planning, with known problem positions left unaddressed before the summer transfer window closed
- An excessive focus on signing young talents, many of whom have made minimal impact at the club
- Poorly negotiated transfers like Djaló and Areso that haven’t represented good value
It’s not exactly a sterling CV when you break it down, and the natives are getting restless.
Managerial uncertainty adds to the pressure
Complicating matters further is the situation regarding the dugout. Spanish radio station Onda Cero revealed that Athletic had made enquiries about Celta Vigo’s Claudio Giráldez months ago, apparently exploring the possibility of triggering a release clause – before Giráldez renegotiated his Celta contract in October.
While Uriarte and González reportedly maintain a solid working relationship, that’s no guarantee of job security. If additional candidates emerge for the presidential election, there will inevitably be collateral damage – and sporting directors are typically first in the firing line when new regimes take over.
González’s best hope for continuity likely hinges on whether Ernesto Valverde extends his stay. The gaffer is approaching his 500th match in charge of Athletic – a club he’s absolutely Adam’s apple over, as we say in London – with all the responsibility and scrutiny that entails.