An icon in Athletic Bilbao, as a coach between 2013-2017 but also the period 2003-2005. However, prior to the year he received an offer from clearly bigger and more powerful Barcelona, which he thus succumbed to.
And the result? Excellent for Barcelona’s part. Clearly worse for Bilbaos. Can it be linked to the coaches? At least to some extent, although the explanation may not be quite simple.
Barcelona leads the Primera División four sticks before Valencia and five before the champions Real Madrid. Eight pieces of thorns, one cross. Even better it will be; three out of three won in the Champions League. Are the Catalans back on the throne to stay?
Jordi Alba is back in Barcelona, reported to be ready for 90 minutes. Strengthens the defense line.
More gloomy it is around Athletic Bilbao, which has a competent squad, but failed to get it out in the results. Only a win of the last six matches in Primera División and dito on ten matches, all in all, cup games and the Europa League included. With the ambition level there is an eleventh place under all criticism.
On the injury list, Iker Muniain is found. Mikael Balenziaga and Òscar De Marcos will be tested more closely.
Bilbao under the ice
In recent years, Athletic Bilbao has not been the easiest of away matches for Barcelona, or any other club in Spain for that matter either. However, we need to see the situation as it is at present and then speak more or less everything to Barcelona.
The catalogs have shown amazing stability throughout the year – surprisingly good they have been! – and the critical storm that was found after the less successful transfer window is like blown away. Best of all, Leo Messi, who seems to be delighted with the increased responsibility when Neymar left, has hit his entire 11 balls in nine series.
While the threes are rolling out for Barcelona, the problems are getting bigger for Athletic Bilbao. Totally timid for their part to face this match.
PREDICTION: Barcelona win @ 1.76
