Jesús Areso admits he wasn’t at 100% physically in 2025

Jesús Areso, of Athletic Club, said he was not “at 100% physically” last year. The Navarra-born defender joined the club in summer 2025 for €12m and, this campaign, has played five LaLiga matches, four of them from the start. On Saturday at Vallecas he was again in the XI, though the game was suspended after objects were thrown onto the pitch.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Areso analysed why his previous season fell short under Valverde: “Being self-critical… last year I wasn’t at 100% physically… This summer I went back over things… to be at my maximum level.” He also underlined his progress, saying, “My physical change is evident,” while noting that he can control his work but not always the coach’s selection decisions.

He also revisited his earlier confidence about adapting quickly, admitting he “got it wrong” in his response during his presentation. Now he has Óscar de Marcos close in training, calling him a “mirror” to learn from.