Bittor Llopis’ Bilbao Athletic begin pre-season ahead of Ruta de la Plata campaign | OneFootball

Bittor Llopis’ Bilbao Athletic have begun pre-season at Lezama ahead of a third consecutive Primera Federación campaign, a schedule that will take them along the Ruta de la Plata from León to Mérida. According to El Correo, the new coach wants his team to avoid flirting with the drop and settle in an increasingly demanding division.

The opening session started on pitch four at Lezama after the customary team photos, with players stepping onto the artificial turf at 11:20. It marked Llopis’ first workout in charge.

Absent, and not expected to feature this summer, were five players currently working under Edin Terzic, namely Shelton, Johaneko, Santos, Monreal and Elija Gift. Striker Manex Lozano, loaned to Racing de Santander last year before a cruciate ligament injury, was seen running laps.

Llopis views the league as highly complicated, with seasoned clubs and fine details often decisive. Last season only nine points separated Real Madrid B, who reached the play-offs, from Bilbao Athletic, who flirted with relegation in the run-in.

He coached Basconia last term, delivering a historic survival in Segunda Federación after an initial struggle to adapt to varied venues. He believes he has a well-balanced, enthusiastic squad, most of whom he has already worked with at youth level.

He added that Edin Terzic is fostering strong collaboration, and that they have already compared ideas and game plans more than once. The relationship will remain close at least for the rest of the summer, with the youngsters who will be with the German coach during July and part of August.

Source: El Correo