Athletic Bilbao are using the international break to ‘rediscover their rhythm’ and convince Markel Susaeta that they are close to last year’s form.
The Basques have struggled this season so far, but Susaeta believes that the work being done during this fortnight of no action has Marcelo Bielsa’s team returning to their previous best.
“We are using the international break to rediscover a lot of our rhythm, for the games… We are on track to find the intensity once more that got us to where we were last year,” promised the winger of his team, who face Valencia away in the next round of League action.
“The break is here and we have to use it for its worth. We are used to training very hard in the morning and afternoon, for our lives we will play in Valencia.
“After a start that raised a few doubts, we are performing well. With Osasuna, most of the game had moments of good football. It is consistency that we are now after.
“In recent weeks the game has already played well, plugging the holes that were evident. From a more serious defensive base, the team has gathered momentum. In the last game we looked like we did last year. We have to try for that approach in every game.”
The 24-year-old looked to also comment on the recent leaks of a recorded teamtalk from Bielsa given at the end of last season.
“These are things that should be left on the sidelines. We focus on the sport. They have passed and you have to look forward.
“It will make us stronger. We are training hard to try to get people talking about the sport again. I understand why you [the reporters] want to speak of this, but I will not say anything that is not on the sport, we are hurting Athletic, which is most important for all.”
