Last update September 30, 2025 by Alberto Llopis
Clemente's story in San Mames, He places him as one of the Best coaches in Athletic Bilbao's history. And is that the decade of 1980 marked a golden chapter in the history of the Bilbao team. A period in which the Basque team, led by the charismatic and disciplined Javi Clemente, It was consolidated as an unstoppable force in Spanish football.
This stage not only brought historical titles to the club, but also redefined his identity, highlighting the commitment values, collective effort and a strong defense of his philosophy based on local players.
The beginning of the Clemente era
In 1981, Javier Clemente assumed the position of Athletic Club coach. Despite its youth and relative inexperience on the elite benches, His arrival marked the beginning of a transformation in the Bilbao team.
Clemente, A former soccer player formed at home, whose career as a player had ended prematurely due to a serious injury, He quickly demonstrated his ability to print his character and competitiveness on a team that needed to recover his prominence in the league.
Clemente opted for a tactical scheme based on defensive solidity and counterattack. This strategy was not only effective, but also brought out the best of the players available in Lezama, The club's quarry, What was and remains the heart of Athletic.
Clemente's successes at Athletic the years 80
Clemente's era was marked by a series of sports successes that left their mark on the history of the club:
League 1982-83: The return to glory
Athletic Club rose with the title of LaLiga In the season 1982-83, breaking a drought of more than 25 years. Under the direction of Clemente, The team showed an impressive regularity, standing out both for its defensive strength and for its ability to take advantage of opportunities in attack. players like Andoni Zubizarreta, Dani Ruiz Bazán Y Hand sarabia They were key pieces in this historical achievement.
The double of 1983-84
The following season was even more memorable, since Athletic achieved the desired doublet, conquering both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey. This milestone not only consolidated Clemente as one of the most successful coaches in the club, but also reaffirmed the team's ability to compete at the highest level.
In the final of the Copa del Rey, Disputed against Barcelona, Athletic won 1-0 Thanks to a goal from Endika. But nevertheless, The match was also marked by a large trifulca in the end, which reflected the intensity and rivalry of those years. Known as The fight of the Copa del Rey final of 1984.
A team with character, Like him
Clemente's Athletic was a team that combined the traditional claw of the club with a iron tactical discipline. Your defense, led by players like Goikoetxea, It was almost impassable, while in attack figures like Sarabia Y Dani, capable of deciding matches with their quality.
Clemente also stood out for his ability to manage a locker room full of personality and for his ability to motivate his players.. And for character, that of 'the blond from Barakaldo'.
under his direction, Athletic not only won titles, but it also became an example of how a team based on local values could compete against giants of Spanish football.. and beat them.
Two more stages at Athletic Bilbao
After initial successes, the results began to be more irregular, and in 1986, Clemente left the club to go to Espanyol where they beat Sacchi's Milan and were about to make the parakeets UEFA champions.
After, Javi Clemente returned to Athletic Bilbao in 2 More stages, much shorter and much less successful and less productive. It was in 1990 When it ended up dismissed in the day 26 and in the 2005/06 When he saved Athletic from the descent but was ceased at the beginning of the following season for disagreements with the club signings. In that period it became the Coach with more matches in the history of Athletic Bilbao Until he was surpassed long by Ernesto Valverde.
Clemente and Athletic: An indelible link
Either way, Javier Clemente's figure is still revered in San Mamés. His ability to lead a team towards success, respecting the traditional values of the club, made him a legend. The era of Clemente at Athletic is a reminder that football is not just a matter of budget or star signings, but teamwork, conviction and passion for colors.
