Athletic put faith in Sarriugarte
Saturday, July 8, 2006
Article summary
Athletic Club Bilbao have handed Félix Sarriugarte control of the senior squad for the 2006/07 season following the dismissal of Javier Clemente.
Article body
Athletic Club Bilbao have handed reserve team coach Félix Sarriugarte control of the senior squad until the end of the 2006/07 season following the dismissal of Javier Clemente. The 41-year-old Sarriugarte played for Athletic in the 1980s and has spent five seasons on the club's coaching staff.
Third spell
Former Spain coach Clemente was sacked on Friday following a disagreement with president Fernando Lamikiz over the team's transfer policy. It was his third spell in charge of the club, having taken over last October when they were bottom of the Primera División and guided them to 12th in the table, six points clear of relegation.
League titles
In the early 1980s Clemente brought the club two of their eight Spanish championships, including a league and cup double in 1983/84. Athletic have never dropped out of the Spanish top flight despite recruiting only Basque players.
