In 2024, is Athletic Club, directed by Valverde, the most exciting team to view in football? – Sid Lowe

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Football is often compared to a movie. Ernesto Valverde has said that it can even feel like a trilogy. Back in 2013, he returned to coach Athletic Club Bilbao for the second time, and his success was reminiscent of The Godfather Part II. He was able to lead them to their first trophy in 31 years, proving that sequels can be just as good as the original. Now, with Valverde once again at the helm, he is aiming to take them to new heights never before achieved, even during his previous tenure as coach.

Valverde rejoined Athletic in the summer of 2022, having been previously sacked by Barcelona. After a 30-month break from working, he signed a one-year contract with the team. However, he was happy to be back home among those who appreciated him and saw it as an exciting adventure. In his first season, Athletic achieved their highest league position since his previous tenure, and also reached the Copa del Rey final, narrowly missing out on victory. In his second season with a contract extension, they managed to secure a spot in the final, defeating both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid along the way. And this past Saturday, they secured another victory over Alavés, moving up to fourth place in the league and positioning themselves well for a potential third Champions League qualification under Valverde’s leadership.

Winning was not an easy feat, but there was something about Athletic that made them inevitable and irresistible. In their final home game before the last match, Alavés had the opportunity to wish them luck, but for thirty minutes they were the stronger team and earned a penalty. However, Unai Simón made an incredible save and 40 seconds later, Nico Williams provided the assist for Gorka Guruzeta’s goal. According to Valverde, that pivotal minute determined the outcome of the game. Athletic took control, with Iñaki Williams (unintentionally) assisting Guruzeta for a second goal. The atmosphere at San Mames was electric as the fans sang and cheered their team on to Seville. Valverde shared that he greatly enjoyed the game, especially when it ended.

There were multiple individuals, not just one. Also, Saturday was not a single isolated incident. Currently, there is likely no team more entertaining to observe, no team with faster players, and no team that is more determined; additionally, in no other stadium is the connection between what happens on the field and what happens in the stands so evident, with constant noise and energy. As described by El Correo Vasco: “Each game at San Mames is now a celebration. Fans cannot recall a time like this in the past 40 years; they are experiencing a feeling that has been lost, reminiscent of a past era, like a distant memory from childhood for those in their 50s and 60s.”

This is a unique situation, no doubt. Despite winning the Super Cup in 2015 and 2021, Athletic has not achieved a major title since the Copa del Rey in 1984. It has been four decades, an entire generation, and it is not just the cup: “It’s difficult not to think about the final,” Valverde admitted, but they had to try because there are other goals to pursue. “We are not giving up on anything, including the Champions League,” said the coach last week. “We have to aim for fourth place,” goalkeeper Simón added seven days later. If they manage to secure it, it would be a huge accomplishment: Athletic’s policy of only having Basque players is now well-known and normalized, but it is worth reminding that a team limited to players from a region that represents less than 8% of the Spanish population is now competing for a spot in the toughest, most globally recognized and capitalist competition of all.

They are also performing with great style. Since the beginning of the season, Athletic has not lost in San Mames and has scored more goals at home than any other team. They have won 11 out of their last 12 matches at home, with the only draw being against Barcelona three days after playing extra time in the semi-final. It’s no surprise that the sporting director has said, “The fans are not only pleased with the results, but also with the way the team plays: aggressively and in a vertical manner.” On Saturday, Alavés coach Luis García admitted that they “overwhelm” their opponents. Visiting defender Ander Guevara also praised their playing style by saying they are “spectacular.” Valverde, the coach, also claims that they aim to be a nightmare for their opponents. They are known for their high intensity and pressing game, and now, they have also added efficiency to their playing style.

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The team is buzzing with excitement. The Spain squad has five skilled Athletic players. First-tier duo Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes have appeared in more matches than any other centre-back partnership. While Óscar de Marcos may eventually tire, today he is full of energy. Midfielder Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta has made a noteworthy return to the team after a decade, switching between seven clubs and enduring three cruciate ligament injuries since his debut with Athletic in 2012. Oihan Sancet has contributed six assists. Goalkeeper Simón is having a remarkable season, according to Guruzeta, who also boasts his own impressive performance. “If I don’t have faith in myself,” the striker declares, “we’re in trouble.”

Guruzeta, a product of the academy who initially had doubts about his potential, returned to Athletic last summer after experiencing two demotions from the second division. His teammate, Iñigo Lekue, praises his impressive goal-scoring abilities as he has already scored 13 goals in the primera league, only three behind the top scorer. However, Guruzeta’s contribution goes beyond goals as his teammates compare him to Karim Benzema, who is known as a creator as well as a scorer. Playing on the right, his partner Iñaki Williams has also been in top form with nine goals, on track to surpass his previous season’s record. Together, they make one of the best winger duos in La Liga, with Williams’ brother Nico being equally exceptional on the other side. Under the guidance of manager Valverde, they are a formidable team, with Williams praising Valverde for bringing out the best in all of them.

After achieving great success and gaining almost god-like status in Greece, Valverde’s departure from Barcelona in January 2020 was a shock. Despite overcoming a difficult time and leading the team to two league titles, he left while they were still at the top of the table. However, things soon fell apart without his leadership. Valverde returned to his hometown of Bilbao, looking for a break from the chaos. He spent his time cycling, playing guitar in his band, and taking photos. While he shared his pictures publicly and even published them, he was never interested in promoting his work. Despite his quiet nature, he has achieved great success and gained numerous titles. In his own words, “I would love to burst in here with excitement, but it just doesn’t come naturally to me. Maybe I’ll do some cartwheels next time.”

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In the past two years, Athletic held presidential elections in which coaches played a crucial role in the campaign. However, Valverde chose to stay out of the election process as he didn’t want to contribute to division and saw no reason to replace Marcelino García Toral. He didn’t need to make a case for himself as Athletic already knew where to find him if necessary. When he eventually accepted, he had the support of two candidates as a compromise choice. A third candidate, Marcelo Bielsa, was also presented, but Valverde was the only one who could have defeated him. “Ernesto is the ideal coach for Athletic,” according to Ander Herrera.

Valverde speaks about what Athletic represents in Bilbao and Vizcaya and how he hasn’t seen that mentality anywhere else. He recognizes the stress and pressure that comes with the job, but also emphasizes the importance of staying calm and not letting it consume everything. He believes in the idea of keeping things in perspective and moving forward, even when it feels like the end of the world if they lose. This is something that the players appreciate and they see Valverde as a normal person who only focuses on what truly matters. Iñaki Williams praises Valverde’s success and achievements.

These are numbers that cannot be matched by anyone, except for him. He has started with three episodes, each one better than the last. Athletic are in fourth place, a position they have only achieved once previously in this century, and that was with him. They have placed fifth twice, both times with him. In the past 25 years, they have only qualified for the Champions League once, also with him. One of their two Super Cups was won with his help. They have not won any major trophies and now they are 90 minutes away from their first trophy since 1984 – an entire generation ago – and nine games away from the biggest competition of all. Nothing is guaranteed yet, there are still two important steps to take, but they are getting close. This disproves the belief that sequels are never as good as the original. “I enjoy all the Godfather movies,” Valverde says. “The first one was good, as was the second. I’m not sure about the third one. We are determined to make sure our third time is successful too.”

Source: theguardian.com