Terzic Leaves Out Two Midfielders as Athletic Bilbao Thrash Leioa 11-0

Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Beñat Prados were notably absent from Athletic Bilbao's second pre-season friendly match, which saw them secure a commanding 11-0 victory against Leioa at Sarriena. Head coach Edin Terzic opted not to include either midfielder in the 24-man squad for the duration of the game, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

Both players had participated in the team's previous friendly outing against Derio. Their omission from the starting lineup, and indeed from any substitute appearance against Leioa, was therefore a point of attention. The resounding 11-0 win was highlighted by forward Hierro, who had been brought into the squad in place of Maroan, scoring the final two goals towards the end of the match.

Terzic made significant tactical adjustments at halftime, completely altering his starting eleven with a single exception: Nacho Monreal. Monreal played the entire ninety minutes, initially partnering Yeray in defense during the first half before switching to play alongside Paredes after the break. Gerenabarrena and Johaneko, who had not featured in the pre-season opener at La Florida, made their first pre-season appearances as part of the starting lineup in the first half.

The absence of two central midfielders on the same matchday naturally sparks discussion, although the circumstances surrounding each player appear to be distinct. For Galarreta, his exclusion can likely be attributed to careful squad management during the initial stages of pre-season.

Prados' situation, however, presents a different narrative. With other midfielders such as Oihan Sancet, Mikel Vesga, and Unai Gómez also vying for a place in the team, Athletic supporters will be closely observing Prados' involvement in these early friendlies for indications regarding the midfield pecking order. Goalkeeper Simón García was also part of the traveling squad but did not play. Future pre-season fixtures are expected to provide clarity on whether both midfielders will be integrated back into Terzic's plans or if further squad movements will occur.

The Mundo Deportivo report does not offer any insights into potential transfer window outcomes for either player.

Paraphrased and Translated Text:

Athletic Bilbao's head coach, Edin Terzic, did not field midfielders Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Beñat Prados in their second pre-season friendly. The team convincingly defeated Leioa 11-0 at Sarriena. This decision was noted, especially as both players had featured in the previous friendly. Forward Hierro, who replaced Maroan in the squad, scored the final two goals in the dominant win.

Terzic made extensive changes at halftime, substituting the entire starting lineup except for Nacho Monreal. Monreal played the full match, shifting from a first-half partnership with Yeray to playing alongside Paredes in the second half. Gerenabarrena and Johaneko, making their pre-season debuts, started the game.

The simultaneous absence of two central midfielders has drawn attention, with distinct reasons likely for each player. Galarreta's omission is probably due to cautious squad management early in the pre-season period.

Prados' situation is more complex. With strong competition in midfield from players like Oihan Sancet, Mikel Vesga, and Unai Gómez, his playing time in these initial friendlies will be closely watched by fans seeking to understand the midfield hierarchy. Goalkeeper Simón García was also in the traveling party but did not participate. Upcoming pre-season games will reveal if Galarreta and Prados will be reincorporated into Terzic's plans or if further squad changes are anticipated.

There is no information from Mundo Deportivo regarding the future transfer status of either player.

English Translation:

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Beñat Prados were not included in Athletic Bilbao's second pre-season friendly, where they routed Leioa 11-0. Head coach Edin Terzic did not play either midfielder for any part of the match, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Both players had featured in the midweek match against Derio. Their absence from the starting XI, and from any substitute appearance against Leioa, was notable. The match concluded with Athletic winning 11-0, and forward Hierro, who was added to the squad in place of Maroan, scored the final two goals late on.

Terzic made wholesale changes at halftime, completely overhauling his starting lineup with one exception: Nacho Monreal. Monreal played the full ninety minutes, initially partnering Yeray in the first half before switching to play alongside Paredes after the interval. Gerenabarrena and Johaneko, who had not featured in the pre-season opener, both played their first pre-season minutes and were part of the XI used by the coach in the first half.

The omission of two central midfielders on the same afternoon inevitably invites scrutiny, although the situations of the two players are markedly different. For Galarreta, his absence can be seen simply as careful squad management in the early stages of pre-season.

Prados' situation is a different conversation. With Oihan Sancet, Mikel Vesga, and Unai Gómez also in contention for midfield roles, his usage across these opening friendlies will be closely watched by Athletic supporters looking for clues on the pecking order. Goalkeeper Simón García was also included in the travelling squad but did not feature. The upcoming pre-season fixtures will clarify whether both midfielders are reintegrated into Terzic’s plans or if further movement occurs within the squad.

Neither the Mundo Deportivo report nor any other information suggests what the future transfer window outcome will be for either player.