"Playing the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia is rubbish"

BarcelonaAs is now tradition, the first official title of the year decided in Spanish football is the Spanish Super Cup. It is contested by the best teams of the previous season, which in this case are once again Barça – the reigning La Liga and Copa del Rey champions –, Real Madrid – the reigning La Liga and Copa del Rey runners-up –, Atlético de Madrid, and Athletic Club. The anomaly for the past few years has been the location of the semifinals and final: Saudi Arabia. By virtue of a multi-million euro agreement brokered by Gerard Piqué, which is currently being challenged in court, the Super Cup is played in the Arab country, which in recent years has injected a huge amount of money into football through a sovereign wealth fund. In fact, it will host the 2030 Men's World Cup. Most of the players participating in this edition of the Super Cup accept that money takes precedence over the fans who fill La Liga stadiums every weekend. However, Iñaki Williams, one of Athletic Club's key players, has spoken out to criticize the tournament's continued location so far from Barcelona, ​​Madrid, and Bilbao, where the participating teams are based this year. In public statements this Tuesday, the Navarrese striker was very clear in his assessment: "I've said it many times, and I don't mince words on these issues. For me, playing in Saudi Arabia is rubbish, to put it bluntly," said Williams, who elaborated on his country's history, not to mention the travel. "We [Athletic], because it's so much about socializing, feel like we're playing away from home."

Furthermore, Williams faces a personal challenge that complicates his situation. "I'm going to be a father in the next few days. Having to leave my wife and son here is a problem, but it's part of the job. I'm available to the club, and I'll try to do my best in the Super Cup," the Athletic striker stated, whose team will play the semifinal against Barça on January 7. The other semifinal between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid will be played on January 8 at the same time. The final will be on the afternoon of January 11. All matches will be held at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah.