Athletic Bilbao’s Oscar de Marcos has welcomed new boss Eduardo Berizzo’s decision to move him back to his old attacking midfielder role.
The 29-year-old has spent nine years with Los Leones since signing from Alaves and, under former Coach and current Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, flourished in a more offensive position in the side.
However, under Ernesto Valverde and Jose Angel Ziganda he found himself pressed into the right-back position following the departure of veteran Andoni Iraola
“Berizzo makes variations and tests in training because he wants players to develop in many situations, and nowadays almost all players have to play in more than one position,” insisted De Marcos, in an interview with Marca at the club’s pre-season training base in Holland.
“I’ve always had to learn and adapting to things quickly is really important, but a change always moves things along and I’m happy to be playing in my old position again.
“The training here has been very intense. Berizzo and Bielsa’s styles are similar as they have spent a lot of time together, but they both have their own different ways, although they start from a similar base.
“Eduardo has his nuances and there are many changes we are going to have to learn. With Marcelo there are six of us still here and we all had to adapt.”
De Marcos is in the last year of his contract at San Mames but admits he does not know what the future holds.
“We’ve not talked about anything yet. I’ve said many times that as long as the club wants me and values me, as it has up to now, then there won’t be a problem.
“I enjoy every day and to win an important title with Athletic is my dream,” he added.
