Inaki Williams, the Ghanaian forward for Athletic Bilbao, has expressed his admiration for former coach Marcelino as the team prepares for a crucial UEFA Europa League semi-final clash against Manchester United. The match is set to kick off on May 1, 2025, at 19:00 GMT at Bilbao's San Mamés stadium, a venue that will also host this year's Europa League final.
At 30 years old, Williams has been a standout performer this season, registering 11 goals and nine assists in 46 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in helping Athletic Bilbao secure their first major trophy in 40 years with last season's Copa Del Rey title.
Reflecting on his development under Marcelino, Williams noted, "The click came with Marcelino. He filled me with confidence. We worked on controls, positioning, finishing. He brought a psychologist." He further elaborated on the mental aspect of scoring, stating, "Only the greatest forwards score every chance, but managing that anxiety within a game was hard. Marcelino said: 'Your target is to score one of every three chances. If you miss the other two, no problem.'"
As the first leg of the semi-final approaches, Williams is determined to lead Athletic Bilbao to a strong performance against Manchester United. He believes that the team's recent success and the support of their fans will play a crucial role in their quest to reach the final.
In the first leg of the semi-final, however, Athletic faced a tough challenge as Manchester United secured a commanding 3-0 lead. The Red Devils showcased their dominance at Old Trafford, with Casemiro opening the scoring in the 30th minute following a brilliant assist from Harry Maguire. Athletic's woes were compounded when Dani Vivian received a red card for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund shortly after, leading to Bruno Fernandes converting the resulting penalty to double United's lead.
Fernandes added a third goal just before half-time, leaving Athletic in a precarious position. Despite the setback, Williams remained optimistic about the return leg, stating, "We are capable of coming back. There are some plays that raise doubts. The play before the penalty comes from a handball by Garnacho, which the referee doesn’t see."
Williams acknowledged that Athletic was not at their best during the match but emphasized their potential to overturn the deficit in the second leg. "We weren’t very sharp, there’s no need to make excuses. We’re 3-0 down, but we’re capable of overcoming that. We’ve already seen that Lyon gave them problems at home and we’re going to try and do the same. The work of the entire season speaks for itself. Our fans have always supported us and we’re going to give it our all," he asserted.
Harry Maguire, the Manchester United captain, was also vocal about the match, particularly criticizing his teammate Leny Yoro for allowing Williams a free header early in the game. Williams, however, failed to convert that chance, heading over the bar in the 11th minute. Maguire was visibly frustrated, urging Yoro to regain his composure.
As the second leg looms, both teams are aware of the high stakes involved. Casemiro, reflecting on United's performance, cautioned against complacency. "No, of course not. I give that message as it is not over. I know this Athletic Bilbao team very well, I know they have great players. We have to show a lot of respect and I ask on behalf of Manchester and everyone that we have to have respect for them as an opponent because they never give up," he stated.
Inaki Williams has not only been a key player for Athletic but also a symbol of resilience and determination. As the first black player to score for the club, he carries a significant legacy and represents the diverse heritage of the Basque Country. His journey has been marked by hard work and dedication, earning him respect from fans and teammates alike.
Looking ahead, the Williams brothers—Inaki and Nico—continue to be pivotal figures for Athletic. Both have scored five goals in European competitions this season, showcasing their attacking prowess. Nico, who has also attracted interest from top clubs like Arsenal, has been a revelation since his debut and is seen as one of the future stars of Spanish football.
Their family connection adds an emotional layer to their performances, with Inaki often taking on a mentorship role for his younger brother. "For Nico, the reference needed to be his brother - to try to get his level and then when he got there, to try to be better than it," said Andoni Bombin, a former scout for Athletic.
As the players gear up for the return leg at Old Trafford, the weight of history and the desire for success loom large. Athletic Club has a storied past in European competitions, having reached the finals in 2012 and 1977, but they have yet to secure a continental title. This season presents a unique opportunity, with the final potentially taking place on home soil.
Inaki Williams, who has played a crucial role in the club's recent resurgence, is determined to lead his team to glory. "We feel good, we’re confident. It won’t be easy: Man U are a great team. But we feel good, we’re confident," he concluded.
With the Europa League final within reach, Athletic Bilbao's players and fans alike are ready to rally behind their team, hoping for a memorable night at Old Trafford and the chance to etch their names into the club's rich history.
