Beñat Etxebarria analyzes Athletic's season, Remiro leaves doors open for a move

Athletic, Real Sociedad, and Alavés face changes as players look to the future.

A football on grass, in golden hour light.
IA

A football on grass, in golden hour light.

Athletic Club has announced technical staff changes, and Beñat Etxebarria has assessed the season, calling their European exclusion "cruel." Meanwhile, goalkeeper Álex Remiro has spoken about his future.

Athletic Club has announced changes to its technical staff with the departure of Jon Aspiazu, Luis Prieto, and Alberto Iglesias, marking the start of restructuring for the next season. In this context, former player Beñat Etxebarria analyzed the team's campaign on the program 'Deportes en Herrera en Cope en Euskadi'.
For Beñat, the season has been "good" overall, albeit with nuances. "I felt it was a shame, because I believe there were matches where we deserved more and in the end, points were taken from us," he lamented. He considers finishing outside of Europe with "19 defeats" to have been "too cruel," as with "a little more accuracy," those could have been the necessary points for qualification.
Regarding the arrival of a new coach, Beñat believes it will serve to motivate the locker room. "Everyone starts from zero," he stated, explaining that "when someone new arrives, everyone brings out their best to try and convince."

"Everyone starts from zero, although I think the mister already knows them well"

Beñat Etxebarria · Former player
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro has addressed his absence from the World Cup squad. After speaking with coach Luis de la Fuente, he expressed feeling "a sad pity for not being able to go," but stated he is "happy to be in the list of goalkeepers because of the level they have." Remiro accepted the decision with sportsmanship, acknowledging that the three chosen are goalkeepers of "very high level".
Regarding his future, with a contract ending next season and interest from Barcelona looming, Remiro has been cautious but clear. "In life, one must always be clear, and you shouldn't close doors to anyone," he declared, although he emphasized that for now, he is only thinking about disconnecting. "I know where I am, I know what I want, and now I want to disconnect, vacation".

"In life, one must always be clear, and you shouldn't close doors to anyone"

Álex Remiro · Real Sociedad goalkeeper
Meanwhile, Deportivo Alavés is already working on assembling the squad for the next season under the guidance of Quique Sánchez Flores, with a 4-4-2 formation in mind. Sporting director Sergio Fernández has confirmed they will seek reinforcements "in all positions" to refresh the team after contract expirations and loans.
Fernández highlighted the importance of the decision of Guridi and Benavidez, who have a renewal offer until 2028 and a week to decide. "All those who want to be in this project are welcome," he stated. Regarding loaned players, he expressed optimism about Koski's continuity, while Diabaté's future is more uncertain due to his purchase option.
Basque sports are also experiencing decisive moments in other disciplines. In basketball, Saski Baskonia faces Real Madrid, and Bilbao Basket is pushing for playoff options. Furthermore, women's handball will see the first leg of the league final with Bera Bera as the protagonist.