Thursday, 22 March 2012
Athletic Bilbao Closing On Fernando Llorente Contract Renewal
Sources in Spain have indicated that Athletic Bilbao are closing on the contract renewal of striker Fernando Llorente.
The powerful forward has flourished under coach Marcelo Bielsa at San Mames and keeping him at the Basque club is a priority for Athletic.
Llorente has long interested a number of sides and bids could well arrive for the 27-year-old in the summer, regardless of whether a new contract is penned.
However, securing the Spain international on an extended deal will help Athletic to resist offers for their talisman.
The contract on the table, which Llorente is expected to soon sign, will guarantee the Spaniard €5M per season as a basic salary.
Athletic are well aware that Llorente could increase his value still further at Euro 2012 and are keen to ensure that the new contract is agreed well before he sets sail for Poland/Ukraine.
Friday, 9 March 2012
Athletic take pride in United success
Óscar de Marcos said that the fruit of Athletic Club coach Marcelo Bielsa’s philosophy was clear to see after the Spanish club outpassed and outshone Manchester United FC in a stunning 3-2 UEFA Europa League victory at Old Trafford.
De Marcos, scorer of the second Athletic goal, had a huge grin on his face as he reflected on a night to remember for the visitors, who had ten attempts on target to United's five. It was a night to forget for United, now beaten in successive European home games for the first time since 1996, and facing "a big challenge" to turn this round of 16 tie around in next week's second leg, according to Michael Carrick.
Óscar de Marcos, Athletic midfielder
The key thing was we had the ball the whole game. It is our philosophy, as the manager has taught us, to keep the ball and thanks to this we created a lot of chances. [Scoring at Old Trafford] is something I won't forget as long as I live, I will always remember it. I'm thrilled. This is a night to smile, to enjoy; all our fans have enjoyed it and it is great for everyone who has always supported us.
It is clear that 3-2 keeps them in it more, unfortunately it was my handball [for Wayne Rooney's late penalty]. It is a shame after all the work the team put in, but we have to be happy with the result. Before we came everyone would have taken a win at the 'Theatre of Dreams'. The coach is putting it in our heads that nobody is better than us, that we can compete with any team and we did that against one of the best teams in the world.
Javi Martínez, Athletic defender
We played very well against a great team like United. We just wanted to play like we always do. We have an idea of the game that we are always faithful to, no matter who we play against, and we tried to be true to that, and it worked out for us. There's a lot of work to do still; they're a great team. It won't be easy but we have the advantage. The fans were incredible. They helped us enjoy it, made it easier for us, and the truth is that it was something unforgettable.
Michael Carrick, United midfielder
Going forward, at times we looked quite dangerous but overall they had a lot of chances and a lot of attempts, and it is not like us. We were well aware of how good they are and the threats they have. We didn't do well enough. There were times in the game when we were OK and looked a threat but overall it was not good enough. It was going to be tough to go there anyway next week and we have given ourselves a big challenge but we'll be up for it. We have done it before, our away form is very good and we will look to that next week.
Jonny Evans, United defender
We've got a lot of experience going away in Europe and hopefully that will help us when we go over there. David de Gea probably kept the score down for us – he pulled off some good saves.
De Marcos, scorer of the second Athletic goal, had a huge grin on his face as he reflected on a night to remember for the visitors, who had ten attempts on target to United's five. It was a night to forget for United, now beaten in successive European home games for the first time since 1996, and facing "a big challenge" to turn this round of 16 tie around in next week's second leg, according to Michael Carrick.
Óscar de Marcos, Athletic midfielder
The key thing was we had the ball the whole game. It is our philosophy, as the manager has taught us, to keep the ball and thanks to this we created a lot of chances. [Scoring at Old Trafford] is something I won't forget as long as I live, I will always remember it. I'm thrilled. This is a night to smile, to enjoy; all our fans have enjoyed it and it is great for everyone who has always supported us.
It is clear that 3-2 keeps them in it more, unfortunately it was my handball [for Wayne Rooney's late penalty]. It is a shame after all the work the team put in, but we have to be happy with the result. Before we came everyone would have taken a win at the 'Theatre of Dreams'. The coach is putting it in our heads that nobody is better than us, that we can compete with any team and we did that against one of the best teams in the world.
Javi Martínez, Athletic defender
We played very well against a great team like United. We just wanted to play like we always do. We have an idea of the game that we are always faithful to, no matter who we play against, and we tried to be true to that, and it worked out for us. There's a lot of work to do still; they're a great team. It won't be easy but we have the advantage. The fans were incredible. They helped us enjoy it, made it easier for us, and the truth is that it was something unforgettable.
Michael Carrick, United midfielder
Going forward, at times we looked quite dangerous but overall they had a lot of chances and a lot of attempts, and it is not like us. We were well aware of how good they are and the threats they have. We didn't do well enough. There were times in the game when we were OK and looked a threat but overall it was not good enough. It was going to be tough to go there anyway next week and we have given ourselves a big challenge but we'll be up for it. We have done it before, our away form is very good and we will look to that next week.
Jonny Evans, United defender
We've got a lot of experience going away in Europe and hopefully that will help us when we go over there. David de Gea probably kept the score down for us – he pulled off some good saves.
Friday, 2 March 2012
Cup final meeting
Josu Urrutia President and CEO Jon Berasategi have come this Friday March 2 at the second meeting which took place at the headquarters of the RFEF to address issues related to the final of the Cup.
The Athletic Club bid for the stadium of La Cartuja in Seville, while FC Barcelona does it for the Vicente Calderon. Next Tuesday, March 6 will decide the RFEF.
The Athletic Club bid for the stadium of La Cartuja in Seville, while FC Barcelona does it for the Vicente Calderon. Next Tuesday, March 6 will decide the RFEF.
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