Julián Returns to Squad for Bilbao Trip

The coach confirmed that Julián will be back in the squad for the trip to Bilbao, backing the forward to turn a difficult spell into a fresh start.

“He’s training very well, he’ll be called up tomorrow, he’ll be part of the group that travels to Bilbao and we’re hoping for the best from him and all his teammates,” he told reporters, underlining that the player’s response on the training ground has earned him another chance.

The message was as much about perspective as it was about tactics.

“I’m very clear about it: for me, life is full of opportunities. And Julián now has an opportunity to get things right. We often spend our time judging, and we need to focus on doing it less and learning more.”

No dressing-down. No public punishment. Instead, a challenge.

“I hope this has been a learning experience for him. And that he’s happy, and as Futre, whom I send a hug to, told him yesterday in a nice video, that he does it by scoring goals.”

Bilbao will show whether that lesson sticks.