Athletic Bilbao began their centenary season with a new head coach following the departure of Frenchman Luis Fernández.
Fernández had been in charge for four years, becoming Athletic's most successful coach for a generation by leading them to the runners-up spot in La Liga in 1997–98.
[3] This would be Rojo's second spell at San Mamés, having previously led the team briefly during the 1989–90 season.
Rojo could not replicate his La Liga success with Athletic, as they slipped yet further to 12th place, their worst performance for five years.
[4] They fared little better in the Copa del Rey, being eliminated at the last 16 stage by Racing Santander.