ESPANYOL v ATHLETIC TICKETS, Sunday, October 19, 2006: The importance of being Ernesto

It may be only quarter of the way through the season, but this encounter is already a real six-pointer for these two struggling outfits. Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao have won just one game each from their opening ten league games this season and are already facing a campaign of struggle to avoid the drop.
Both coaches are also under pressure and only away draws last weekend, arguably, saw them remain in charge of their respective teams. Ernesto Valverde will be hoping that his charges can have a change of fortune against the team that he left at the end of the 2004-05 season, having led them to two consecutive top ten finishes.
The Basque coach may have fond memories of his tenure at San Mames, but their will be no love lost as he fights to stay in his current post this Sunday. For Espanyol it really does appear like they are close to turning the corner. Los Periquitos are undefeated since September 24 in the league, but instead of registering any morale-boosting wins, they have strung together five consecutive draws.
A victory in their only UEFA Cup group game to-date did not give the team the push they needed and, instead, they exited the Copa del Rey after losing to third division Rayo Vallecano over two legs.
Last Sunday did see signs of encouragement as Ivan De la Pena was in sparkling form to help the team earn a 1-1 draw away at Real Sociedad. if the former Barca and Lazio midfielder can continue in the same form in the forthcoming games then things could really improve.
Striker Luis Garcia was also very lively in San Sebastian and appears to have put
his early-season off-field rift behind him. Athletic, like Espanyol, also struggled last term and have taken that form into the new season despite a change of coach and several new faces in the playing staff.
Javier Clemente replaced Jose Luis Mendilibar in the middle of last season with the club in the bottom three and he led them to safety.
After complaining on radio that none of the signings he had requested he been made though, he was ousted. Felix Sarriugarte was brought in, but he has failed, so far, to make the team click and is also under intense pressure.
Athletic are famous for sticking strictly to their Basque-only policy for their players as well as maintaining a sponsor-free shirt throughout their history.
Along with Barga and Real Madrid, they are only one of three teams never to have been relegated from the Spanish First Division. Founded in 1898 by a mixture of English workmen in Bilbao and local students who had visited Britain, the club has strong links to the UK. Originally named Bilbao Football Club, the club’s infamous colours were copied from either Southampton or Sunderland. With sight league titles and 24 Copa del Reys to their name, Athletic have a strong history, but have not a trophy for over two decades. In recent times the fluctuating fortunes have continued with European appearances being interspersed with battles against relegation. Last season the club only ensured themselves match after season of struggle and that form has of survival in their penultimate continued into this term.