Athletic Bilbao enters a delicate period after Marcelo Bielsa's departure, who left the club after a decade and three spells. The Argentine coach delivered seven European qualifications in 10 years and 504 games, with 230 wins, 114 draws and 160 defeats. The 2005-2006 season was a difficult year for the club, with Mendilibar replacing Valverde but lasting only 10 games. Then, Clemente returned to steady the ship, but by matchday 35 they were three points from the drop. Athletic Bilbao won their final three games, against Zaragoza, Deportivo and Barcelona, easing the tension at San Mamés.