Caparrós probably deserves to continue, and unless things change a lot before the end of the season I think that is the idea of Macua and any other candidate, so it's up to Joaquín.

If Joaquín doesn't want to continue I would opt for a foreign coach with prestige and titles out of the Spanish league, someone who can take profit of our current young and promising squad. In some way, someone who proposes a modern concept of football and new ideas, always starting by Athletic's historic style.

In a way, something similar to what happened with Jupp Heynckes (first stay) or Luis Fernández, who came from winning titles in Germany and France respectively and were back then top coaches in Europe with a new style.

In fact, currently both the German and French football are probably in the middle of a very interesting re-estructuring of their principles and have some good coaches arising, bringing someone of this new generation of coaches in these two countries could be a great idea.

Plan B would be opting for a home coach, but a true bet (not Sarriugarte-like), Valverde and Larrazabal are the best options.

 

1. Larrazabal, he might even develop a left back! Club legend and loyal, 110% Athletic. Most of the players since his era has left but he knows the club and he probably wants this job more than anyone.
2. Valverde, best coach so far this century.
3. Caparros, we know what we get but in my opinion can't take us much higher, I'm usually overoptimistic but I can't be satisfied with 8-12 every season, and once in a while a good cup-run, he should remain in some sort developing role if he wishes to.

 

I know that Caparrós drives people crazy with some unconventional--and even boring-- moves, by I'm a fan with sticking to the horse when things are on an upward swing. The turmoil that the team went through prior to Caparrós was in large measure because of too many quick changes of manager. I think Caparrós next another couple years. If he can't move the team back to its prominence, then we'll talk again.

 

I hope Caparrós stays but if not, my choice is Unai Emery, depends what his situation is with Valencia though.

Deschamps would be an interesting choice, not sure he would leave Marseille though. Can't see Benítez happening.

Not sure about a foreign coach, it's worked well in the past but I think it's probably better to have someone with knowledge of the club and the Spanish league/players. Think Guus Hiddink or Roy Hodgson would do a good job though.

 

Hiddink was very close to be Athletic's manager once, in fact he had already signed with one of the presidential candidates. My memory is shit, so accept corrections but I think the story is like this.

I don't remember the year, must be something like 1995-96 or so. We had Heynckes as manager, and qualified for UEFA Cup (in a heart-attack last game of the season vs Tenerife in San Mamés, 3-2 if I remember correctly, with a last goal scored after several rebounds in a penalty). But Heynckes was homesick and decided to return to Germany so we had no coach for the next year.

That same summer there were elections in Athletic and there were 3 candidates. Lertxundi (who was current president before the elections), Arrate (who won the elections) and Gorordo.

Arrate had Irureta as candidate for the bench, I know that for sure since it's what ended up happening as he won the elections. My doubt is about the other two: If I remember correctly Hiddink was Gorordo's candidate. Lertxundi had Amorrortu as candidate, who had been Heynckes assistant and was recommended by Jupp.

Anyway, Arrate ended up winning and Hiddink didn't train Athletic.

Then Irureta was quite unfairly treated in my opinion, he was sacked with Athletic in something like 9th position and a very good UEFA campaign. We suffered against Anorthosis true (2-0 away and 3-0 home in the last second, goal by Andrinua) but then we managed to beat the leaders of the Premiership and one of the best teams in Europe back then, the Newcastle of Kevin Keegan.

It was quite heroic as Newcastle was a top team and we had LOTS in injuries, in fact we passed the eliminatory with a team with a good bunch of subs and Bilbao Athletic players. A very young Gontzal Suances was hero of that eliminatory, then he wasn't anything special as player.

Then we lost against again one of the best teams in Europe back then, Parma. In fact they ended up winning the competition. And it was very unfair, 1-0 in San Mamés and 4-2 in Parma, with a clear penalty to Andrinua in the last minute the referee didn't want to see...:groan:

It's true that after Heynckes "beautiful" football, Irureta's Athletic looked quite boring, but he didn't deserve the sacking at all.


Oh well, I don't remember why I started talking about this. hehe anyway, I'm getting old...

 

Oh about Emery: I wouldn't like him to train Athletic, he is a very good coach yes, but I don't like him at all... his personality I mean.

Deschamps is a cool option though, I already demanded him 4 years ago. Now it's more difficult to sign him.

I added Benítez because it's being rumoured that one of the candidatures for the elections could bring him as his choice for the bench. Nothing confirmed at all.

 

I'll put off voting for now. Just can't decide yet. I'd love to see Didier Deschamps given an opportunity, but that isn't realistic, I know.

Seems like Jokin didn't manage to stay out of the electorial race. He now seems attached to Macua after stating he would vote for him. Don't really see how other candidates can stick with Caparros now. No, they will surely bring forth their own managers. Even with this latest development (seems he was a offered a 2-year extension IF Macua wins), it seems likely Caparrós will leave. If he can get another job, why would he stick with one he might not end up getting. He's ambitios, he'll leave.

The other candidates will probably jump all over Valverde, but we will see...

 

I'll put off voting for now.

Oh, hell, I decided to vote for Deschamps after all. Don't think it is realistic, but it would be great.

There are a lot of decent names on that list. Valverde, Larrazabal (would be great I'm sure) or even Capparós would be fine. Just hope the manager gets the confidence to stay a few years and build further on what Jokin has done.

 

Well, I mentioned Hiddink not only because he's an excellent manager but more for his success with national sides and his ability to adapt to different cultures. Same with Hodgson. Shame it didn't happen with Hiddink, I think he would have done a good job. Wont happen now though as he's committed to Turkey (same w/ Hodgson and West Brom).

I think the managerial situation could have an impact on certain players staying or not. A Sky Sports article today links Koi with Celtic and Wigan (which isn't new) but states he might wait until he knows who is manager before signing.

"The issue (of Caparros staying or leaving) has come up in the dressing room and what happens with the coach is important," said Koikili. "It matters to the players whether or not he stays."

http://www.fanfeedr.com/soccer/2011/03/29/bilbao-ace-waits-on-deal

 

I can't look beyond Caparros.

Sure, he hasn't exactly been successful (yet), but he is the man that Athletic need in the driver's seat. Given Athletic's restrictive signing policies, youth development is extremely important. Athletic's cantera always was and will remain great no matter who the manager is, but Caparros has proven in the past that he can foster and develop young talents (i.e. Sevilla) and has done the same thing with Athletic so far- look at how far the players have come, and look at the exciting youths Caparros has been giving games to the past two years or so.

Earlier it was said that "Caparros can't take Athletic any higher" but I disagree- Athletic are steadily rising back up and definitely can be a contender for European spots for years to come. And, let's face it, it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to break into the top two no matter who the manager is simply given the nature of how money works in Spanish football.



But yeah, status quo all the way- Macua should stay, so should Caparros.

 

Benitez no way, far too famous and luxurious for us and currently in bad condition.

Irrureta could be a good option, but some years ago. Except from training Zaragoza for 2-3 weeks 3 years ago, he hasn't managed a club for ages.

Heynckess is also not the greatest option, given that he is sacked at the end of the season from Bayer, and had bad times as a manager the last years.

Valverde, I reaaaly doubt that he'll leabe Olympiakos, since he'll have the chance to play in the Champions League the next year.

Capparos or if not possible Larrazabal for me, since Aitor was a great player and person when he was a lion.

 

Valverde, I reaaaly doubt that he'll leabe Olympiakos, since he'll have the chance to play in the Champions League the next year.

Capparos or if not possible Larrazabal for me, since Aitor was a great player and person when he was a lion.

The problem is, as everytime there are elections, that it's quite difficult for a coach to be linked with a candidate and wait until the elections, if his candidate looses he is left in July and without team. In Valverde's case, knowing what happened to him when he was in Athletic, I'm sure he would only come now, just after elections, when he has 4 years of total calmness to work.

Said this, I'm quite sure he would choose Athletic (if a candidate offers him a decent project), but it's true that he may be too scared of having to wait until June-July to know if he comes, and then it would probably be too late to go back to Olympiakos.

He has been in Bilbao lately, and seems like he has been talking with possible candidates...

BTW, talking about candidates, El Correo has published already two days that Josu Urrutia could be running for the presidency, and they link him to Valverde by the way.

 

My choice if Capparos was to go is Andre Villas-Boas from F.C. Porto. Discovered by the great Sir Bobby Robson and polished by Jose
Mourinho. A top up and coming coach who can mould our young stars in a better league than he is in now!

 

Zero chance.

 

Urrutia? roud: roud: roud:
Macua out, he scared the creep out of me!

Andre Villas-Boas is extremely difficult as unlikely also.
Hiddink is also out of the question I think, and Roy Hodgson would be a pretty weird choice. Deschamps is also extremely difficult, he is having a quite successful time at OM and unless he is fired and nobody is interested in him he would be a very good choice.
About Emery, I agree with Iribar, I just don't want to see him coaching Athletic.

And of course, Txingurri, he fits great with Athletic. I don't know whether he'll be loyal to his current boss or to the team of his heart.

 

Roy Hodgson would be a pretty weird choice.

Not necessarily. Has done well with (admittedly modest) clubs and international teams around the world, certainly more travelled than most English managers. Vastly experienced but not a long term option. It wont happen though as he's only recently joined West Brom and could be England manager when Capello leaves in summer 2012.

Mourinho likes a challenge and may looking for a job in the summer....

Doubt it'll happen but would be quite a coup, if not universally popular. Would be interesting though to see how much better a world class coach would do compared to the likes of Caparrós/Valverde/whoever.

 

Finrod, I think you are underestimating a bit Athletic's capacity of attracting top managers. People as Howard Kendall, Jupp Heynckes or Luis Fernández came just when they were at the top of their careers in their countries.

In a way, it is a special challenge for any coach to train Athletic, and with the current young & promising squad it looks quite attractive.

Obviously, Athletic doesn't attract the attention of all top managers, but there are top managers which are specially attracted by Athletic. As I mentioned, having to be tied to a candidate and the possibility of being left in July without team if your candidate looses is a problem though.

Urrutia was a great player and noone can deny his love to Athletic, but he has to demonstrate he can be Athletic's president, it's not like he has managed many companies in his life. ie: to negotiate a good tv deal you need more than love to Athletic.

At least, we are all 100% sure that Josu will take the decissions he thinks are the best for Athletic, so if he manages to be surrounded by people with experience in the matter he could be a strong option.

They were saying today that he could run for the presidency together with Andrinua, and bring Txingurri to the first team and Larrazabal to Bilbao Athletic.. well, we also have to see which are his plans for Lezama, the people he brings for the economical part etc.

It's always positive to have different options. It looks like there can be 3-4 candidatures this year.

 

The attraction of Athletic is as huge to managers as it is to those of us outside of the Basque country who follow them! Even Pep Guardiola has talked about the appeal of Athletic as a managerial destination. We have a good squad and with Llorente, Martinez, Iraola, Herrera, Munain and also the possible arrival of Monreal? a team of quality, Add to that a young, talented manager with bags of confidence then a Champions League spot would be well within our grasp. The chance for them to take a club with the history and tradition of Athletic into the best league in Europe must be enough to get the juices flowing::excited:

 

Excuse my ignorance, but when are there actually elections coming up?

 

There is still not official date, Macua has to decide. Probably in June, although it could be in May.

 

Guardiola is a strange man, he left Barcelona and while he could go to a at least a similar to that Barca level, he decided to join Brescia.

Maybe I underestimate Athletic, but that's probably because since I've started following Athletic, I've only seen managers not quite known in the outside of Spain, like Heynckes, Valverde, Mendillibar, Sarriugarte, Mane, Clemente [even he is not as well known(at least now) as the likes of Hodgson etc]. Capparros is also known mostly in Spain, although his work at Sevilla.

When are the candidates going to be announced + their plans for Athletic?
I remember starting Xtratime at summer, so probably I would say, around June-July?

 

Guardiola is a strange man, he left Barcelona and while he could go to a at least a similar to that Barca level, he decided to join Brescia.

And also played in Qatar (not that unusual) and Mexico (very unusual for a European player).

He also says today that he plans to leave Barça after next season (at least I think it's not an april fool.... ) so perhaps the elections are coming a year too soon....

 

My bad, I know Heynckes was known. But the last 10 years it seems that we have declined somewhat as a club, reaching the UEFA Cup/Europa League 3 times only. Last time we went to the Champions League was in the far 1998.
And sadly, we haven't won a trophy since 1984.

My point is, that I don't think that we have such a big name nowadays as two decades ago, and attracting a well-known manager is kinda difficult (and costly also).

Good memory you have though, that's why they have you here as a FM!:smileani:

As of more news about Ernesto, there are now rumors linking him with Athletic, and there is some speculation now about his replacement.

 

There is a lot of talk going on here, and most of it points that he'll leave the club, but he keeps delaying the meeting with the board about his renewal. Apparently, he has a 1+1 contract, and keeps on delaying the meeting as it happened in his 1st stay at Olympiakos, when he finally left because he wanted to return.

 

From what they sall @ El Correo Valverde has until mid-April to answer Olympiakos, so that is more or less the time Urrutia has to announce his candidature if he wants to count with Txingurri as coach.
http://www.canalathletic.com/noticias/2011-04-05/dilema-ernesto-valverde-201104051414.html

 

Is there any way to ignore users on this forum?

 

Maybe the "ignore user" option from the User CP?

Apparently, Valverde will have a meeting a lot sooner than expected, with Olympiakos president about his future with the team. There is a lot of speculation about other managers (including Capparros...), so probably will learn earlier than expected about a suitable coach, if Jokin leaves.

The elections are on 15th of May?

 

As far as I know there is still no date for the elections, the socios have to approve on Monday the new articles of association, that could be the date of the announcement of the elections.

Today these new articles have been presented, they have been written by a special comission which includes among others Macua, and former Athletic players Josu Urrutia and Genar Andrinua. This obviously made photographers fight to get the picture of the day.

Here you see Macua with Urrutia & Andrinua, who could make a coalition to run for Athletic's presidency. On Monday it could also be the day when Urrutia makes public his decission.

 

How much of an issue has the shirt sponsorship been in the elections so far?

I guessing not much since it was the socios who approved it (and with few objections), but just wondered if Urrutia (or any of the others) had a different view on it.

It just seems everyone has accepted it.

 

The fans surely not (I think) at least...

 

Can some FM change my vote to Caparros? I thought I voted for the manager ofBasque Country, so voted for Irubeta
The last years we have seen a team developing all the time. I would like no change while we still see progress...
That is the case with both Macua and Caparros in my opinion...

 

Valverde has extended his contract with Olympiakos - http://www.canalathletic.com/noticias/2011-04-14/valverde-seguira-olympiakos-201104142049.html

 

One candidate less.