16__
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
After one month in charge of his former club, The Athletic had a chance to sit down with Andoni Iraola to discuss the season so far, the transfer window and a very busy September.
After a tough opening loss to Barcelona, your team showed resilience with draws against Valencia and Atlético and a win over Betis. How would you assess Athletic Club’s first month under your leadership?
Iraola: It’s been a challenging but encouraging start. Against Barcelona we were punished for small mistakes, but the reaction afterwards was positive. Taking points from Valencia and Atlético shows character, and the performance against Betis was closer to what we want to see. We are still building, but I think the team is heading in the right direction.
With Adama Boiro sidelined for two more months, left-back depth looks thin. How are you planning to manage that position during a busy stretch?
Iraola: It’s true, we don’t have many options there right now. We will need to adapt, maybe use players out of their usual position, or adjust tactically. What matters is that whoever plays gives balance to the team. Injuries are part of the season, so it’s about finding solutions, not excuses.
San Mamés will host Wolfsburg in the opening match of the Champions League. What does returning to this competition mean to you and the players?
Iraola: For Athletic, it’s something very special. San Mamés has a history in Europe, and these nights are for the fans as much as for the players. We know Wolfsburg are a strong side, but at home we must be ambitious. The Champions League is demanding, but it’s also a reward for the work of last season.
You have six matches in September across La Liga and Europe, including trips to Sevilla and Zagreb. How do you plan to rotate the squad and keep players fresh?
Iraola: It’s a tough schedule, maybe one of the most difficult months of the season. Rotation will be important, yes, but we also don’t have a very large squad. We’ll try to manage minutes intelligently, keep intensity high, and rely on the collective effort. Every player will have a role to play.
Looking ahead to September, what would you define as a successful month for Athletic Club in both La Liga and the Champions League?
Iraola: Success is competing in every match, no matter the opponent or the stadium. If we can stay near the top in La Liga and start the Champions League group with good results, then it will be a strong month. But more than results, I want to see consistency and belief from the team. That’s the foundation for everything else.
By: Guillermo Rai | Sept 11, 2025 _
_
_
