Athletic Bilbao President Josu Urrutia has given his backing to Coach Marcelo Bielsa after unsettling comments from the Vice-President.
Jose Angel Corres came out this week and publicly suggested that the Argentine tactician, whose team sit just three points above the relegation zone in what is a difficult season, does not have complete backing from the board.
Whilst Bielsa questioned the worth in doing this, Urrutia has made clear that the Coach maintains full confidence.
“Leaving aside the personal opinions, this club comes out of difficult sporting situations with the recipe of all working together, pulling in the one direction,” the President told reporters at the unveiling of an exhibition to celebrate the 100 years of San Mames.
“I am aware of the delicate sporting situation but I am optimistic. Faced with adversity and even more, we pull together and I have no doubt that we will this time too.
“After being with the players, seeing what fans on the street have to say, everyone is behind the Coach.
“We [the board] all have the same feelings – there is a certain anxiety, but there is also conviction, great faith, great determination and great optimisim that we will turn this around.”