Cádiz CF and Athletic Bilbao face preseason struggles in Spanish football

Cádiz CF's preseason has been marked by a series of defeats and a continuation of the errors that plagued the club last season. In ten matches – a mix of official fixtures and friendlies – the team recorded two wins, two draws and six losses, with criticism directed at the lack of offensive precision and the decision‑making of sporting director Juan Cala. The poor results have prompted a heated reaction on social media, highlighting concerns over the club's ability to compete effectively.

Athletic Bilbao, under newly appointed coach Ernesto Valverde (formerly the Athletic manager), has also begun its preparation period. The club is using preseason to build fitness, assess squad depth and consider potential signings, while emphasizing caution in drawing conclusions. Players have yet to feature fully, and the coaching staff has acknowledged that early assessments are tentative and that the true impact of the preseason will become clear later in the campaign.