De la Sota criticises Athletic amid tense Barakaldo-Athletic relationship after signing new deal
Imanol de la Sota renewed for a fifth season at Barakaldo and criticised the Barakaldo-Athletic relationship, urging Athletic to raise support for Bizkaia clubs ahead of 2026.
Imanol de la Sota completed a fifth consecutive season extension as head coach of Barakaldo CF and used his first media appearance after the announcement to confront long-standing questions about the Barakaldo-Athletic relationship.
The coach said he is grateful for the club’s trust but bluntly described his outlook on cooperation with Athletic Club as pessimistic.
De la Sota’s comments focused on perceived shortcomings in loan and transfer cooperation at a moment when Barakaldo prepares for another campaign in Primera Federación.
Renewal confirmed and message delivered
Barakaldo confirmed De la Sota’s contract renewal for a fifth straight season, signaling continuity at a club that values stability on the touchline.
The coach expressed his gratitude to the club and supporters while making clear he would not shy away from airing criticisms that he believes are important for the club’s future.
That balance—appreciation mixed with public rebuke—set the tone for a press conference that quickly shifted from celebration to a wider discussion of regional football ties.
Coach labels prospects for support from Athletic as ‘not optimistic’
When asked about the absence of loan reinforcements from Athletic during the past campaign, De la Sota was explicit: he said he is “not optimistic” about receiving meaningful help.
His remark underscored frustration with the level of assistance Barakaldo has received in building a squad capable of competing in Spain’s third tier.
The coach reiterated that he would prefer a different approach and appealed for a more inclusive view of football across Bizkaia.
Collaboration agreement set to expire on June 30
De la Sota’s critique came against the backdrop of a formal collaboration agreement between Barakaldo and Athletic Club that is due to expire on June 30.
He flagged that contractual link but made it clear his disappointment is not only legalistic; it is rooted in a broader expectation of shared responsibility for the region’s football ecosystem.
The expiration date gives both clubs a clear calendar point to reassess terms, and De la Sota’s public intervention increases the spotlight on negotiations that may follow.
A plea from a lifelong Athletic supporter and former youth coach
The coach framed his criticism as coming from affection rather than antagonism: he described himself as an Athletic “socio” and reminded listeners of his years working in the club’s youth structure.
That background lends weight to his argument and signals that his demands are not born of rivalry but of a desire to see Basque football thrive collectively.
De la Sota maintained that when Bizkaian football is thriving, Athletic traditionally benefits as well, and he urged the senior club to translate that sentiment into concrete action.
Call for long-term strategy to strengthen clubs across Bizkaia
De la Sota proposed the Athletic should adopt a longer-term, more structural commitment to clubs across Bizkaia, rather than intervening only when immediate interests align.
He suggested a strategic framework that would help smaller clubs grow sustainably and provide a clearer pathway for player development and competitive balance.
Such a plan, he argued, would be consistent with Athletic’s identity as a regional flagship and would produce benefits that extend beyond short-term loan deals.
What this stance means for Barakaldo’s Primera Federación campaign
Barakaldo faces the practical task of assembling a competitive squad for Primera Federación with or without stronger backing from Athletic.
De la Sota’s public posture is likely intended to pressure stakeholders while also setting internal expectations for the club’s recruitment policy.
If the collaboration is renewed in stronger form, Barakaldo could receive higher-profile temporary reinforcements; if it is not, the club will need to pursue alternative scouting and recruitment channels more aggressively.
Regional reaction and potential consequences
De la Sota’s comments have the potential to provoke debate across Bizkaia about how resources and talent are distributed among local clubs.
Local officials, supporters and other clubs with agreements or informal understandings with Athletic may now weigh in on what a fair, mutually beneficial relationship should look like.
The coming weeks could see formal talks between Barakaldo and Athletic, public statements from both organizations, and a renewed focus on the practical clauses that govern collaboration between clubs.
Imanol de la Sota’s intervention frames a broader conversation about regional solidarity in Basque football, placing the spotlight on how a major club’s policies affect smaller neighbours.
With the partnership contract set to lapse on June 30, both clubs face a decision point that could reshape loan flows, youth development pathways and competitive balance in Bizkaia.
Barakaldo will enter the new season with continuity in the dugout and a public call for deeper cooperation, while Athletic must respond to a prominent local voice asking for a clearer commitment to the region’s footballing future.
