Athletic Bilbao: Basque-ing in Glory

October 2013

MSK Zilina 0 – 4 Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid 0 – 3 Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao 0 – 1 Celta de Vigo

Benfica 1 – 0 Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao 3 – 1 Malaga

Conquense 0 – 2 Athletic Bilbao

La Liga Table

Our Player of the Month

Stephane Ruffier

Ruffier was very solid this month, especially in our games versus Real Madrid and Malaga where he made some very crucial saves at important times. Had it not been for him, we may not have won half the games we did.

Oceano’s Verdict

October was a very mixed month for us as we won big versus Real Madrid and Zilina. However, then come the international break and we weren’t the same since. I was very disappointing that we lost to Celta de Vigo so we have both positives and negatives to take from this month.

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DE MARCOS REQUESTS TRANSFER

Athletic Bilbao star Oscar De Marcos has handed in an official transfer request in a bid to earn a big move away from the club.

The 24 year old versatile midfielder has reaped interest from clubs such as Atletico Madrid and Liverpool in the past and feels his time with Bilbao has come to an end.

Speaking about the situation was his agent Leopoldo Sanchez who believes Bilbao’s less impressive start to the season was a catalyst for his decision.

“De Marcos has always been very loyal to the club and whenever he has played, he has turned in performances of the highest level.

“It’s for that very reason he has earned interest from bigger clubs whom we believe he deserves a switch too.

“Athletic Bilbao knows what we want, our feelings have been made very clear and I hope something can be arranged soon.”

De Marcos has been one of Oceano Cruz’s most used players since his arrival in July 2012, appearing 56 times since last season.

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November 2013

Real Sociedad 2 – 0 Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao 2 – 1 Benfica

Athletic Bilbao 1 – 1 Sevilla

Sporting Gijon 0 – 0 Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao 3 – 0 Real Betis

Paris Saint-Geramin 1 – 1 Athletic Bilbao

Granada 0 – 2 Athletic Bilbao

UEFA Champions’ League Table

La Liga Table

Our Player of the Month

Iker Muniain

Again we managed to find something out of what looked like a poor month by our regular standards and again it was Iker Muniain as the protagonist. Muniain was again his usual self, causing havoc to defenders at all times and keeping the hope that Bilbao may yet get something this season worth meriting.

Oceano’s Verdict

It was a very tough start for us as it starting with a battering by our rivals, a game I was deeply upset about. I hope this game will become a learning curve for them as Real Sociedad look likely to pose a threat to our league position this season. Nevertheless, we did somewhat recover and we got 4 HUGE points versus PSG and Benfica in the Champions’ League. We do have Europa League as a consolation if we don’t make it but ideally PSG will beat Benfica and we can do our bit by defeating MSK Zilina who are yet to pick up a point.

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DE MARCOS U-TURN

Oscar De Marcos has sensationally revealed he’s desperate to stay at Athletic Bilbao after handing in a transfer request last month.

The 24 year old was believed to be unhappy with the progress Bilbao had made this season and keen to jump ship according to his agent Leopoldo Sanchez but has now committed to the club publicly.

“I want to apologise to any fans I have upset throughout the month I requested a move. I was never in the right state of mind to do so and thank Oceano, the fans and many of my teammates for being patient with me.

“After thinking it through, Athletic Bilbao is definitely where I want to be and it is here that I want to be successful. I owe a lot to this club and its fans so I am keen to put the request to bed and stay rooted.”

De Marcos had a series of clubs after him such as Liverpool, AC Milan and Olympique Lyonnais who were all looking to pay a fee of approximately £23 million.

‘Los Leones’ boss Oceano Cruz was believed to be ready to cash in on the midfielder after a dispute with both De Marcos and his agent but both parties are now working in harmony.

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