Who is now in charge of Athletic Bilbao's B team?

Athletic Bilbao B kicked off its 2026‑27 preparation under Bittor Llopis, who took the bench on Friday 10 July at Lezama. The former academy graduate, trained within the club’s structure, replaces the previous coach and arrives with the task of solidifying the transition from the youth ranks to the reserve side.

What squad has Llopis assembled?

The new manager unveiled a roster of 24 players. In goal are Simón García and Iker Pagazaurtundua. The defence features Dani Pérez, Danel Belategi, Adrián Lekuna, Telmo Zarandona, Ander Izagirre, Beñat Larrea and Miguel Barandalla. Mid‑field includes Efe Korkut, Eñaut Lete, Manex Gibelalde, Beñat García, Javi Sola and Unax Urzaiz. Up front, the list holds Peio Huestamendia, Adrián Pérez, Asier Hierro, Igor Oyono, Manex Lozano, Aritz Conde, Txus Vizcay, Ander Peciña and Aingeru Olabarrieta. The technical staff is rounded out by Carlos Renau as assistant coach, Mikel Legarreta as fitness trainer, Armando Ribeiro as goalkeeper coach and Gonzalo Alzueta as analyst.

What friendly matches are scheduled?

The preseason calendar features seven friendlies. The first will be on 25 July against Burgos at El Soto (Villarcayo). It is followed by a 29 July clash with Sestao River at Las Llanas. On 1 August, they face Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa in Aguilar de Campoo. The 8 August fixture sends Athletic Bilbao B to Urritxe against SD Amorebieta. The 12 August game pits them against Barakaldo CF at El Malecón. On 15 August, they travel to Noja for a match with Arenas CF at La Caseta. Finally, the 21 August friendly closes the preparation phase against Real Zaragoza at Ibercaja Stadium.

What does this start mean for the academy?

With the first grass training session, the red‑and‑white reserve side aims to cement the academy’s philosophy and give minutes to young talents before the official competition begins. Llopis’s background, featuring work with several youth squads, hints at a more structured approach and tighter links with the senior team. The seven friendlies will allow the club to gauge player levels, tweak tactics and build a competitive base that, according to club analysts, will be essential for preserving the tradition of promoting local players to the first team.

What follows after preseason?

After the preparatory matches, Athletic Bilbao B will join Segunda División B, where they will fight for promotion and, above all, continue feeding the first‑team squad under Ernesto Valverde. The focus will shift to the coming months, when friendly results and each player’s development decide who earns a chance to train with the senior side. The goal is clear: keep the club’s identity alive and keep producing quality talent for Athletic Bilbao’s future.