Athletic Bilbao has launched the 2026/27 season for Bilbao Athletic under Bittor Llopis, who led the first training session at Lezama on Friday. The new coach already has a group of 24 players ready to face the demanding Primera Federación campaign.

Who makes up the coaching staff?

Llopis is not alone. Carlos Renau serves as assistant coach, while Mikel Legarreta handles physical preparation. Goalkeeping is overseen by Armando Ribeiro, a familiar face at the club, and Gonzalo Alzueta provides tactical analysis. This setup aims to ensure continuity between the reserve side and the first team.

How does the project align with the first team?

The coach emphasized that synchronisation with the senior squad is essential. "We are building a work dynamic and collaboration that creates a lot of excitement," Llopis said. The goal is for the reserve team's style to mirror the club's identity, easing player movement between squads throughout the season.

What challenges does the Primera Federación present?

Bilbao Athletic will compete in the Western Group, a division Llopis calls "a real minefield" because of the parity among opponents. To arrive fit for the debut, the team has scheduled seven friendlies: July 25 against Burgos at El Soto de Villarcayo, July 29 versus Sestao River at Las Llanas, and August 1 against CYD Leonesa in Aguilar de Campoo.

What does the pre‑season calendar look like?

In August, the reserve side will play a Basque derby on the 8th against SD Amorebieta at Urritxe, followed by a match against Barakaldo CF on the 12th at El Malecón. The final phase includes a game at La Caseta de Noja versus Arenas on the 15th and ends with an attractive clash against Real Zaragoza on August 21 at the Ibercaja Stadium. Each fixture will fine‑tune the team's patterns and test its cohesion.

What does this start mean for the future?

With a youthful squad and a solid coaching team, Bilbao Athletic is shaping up as a talent pipeline for the first team. Close coordination between Llopis and senior manager Ernesto Valverde promises a smooth transition of prospects, preserving the club's singular philosophy.