Key Takeaways:
- Ernesto Valverde confirmed he will step down as Athletic Bilbao manager at the end of this season
- Edin Terzić has emerged as the top candidate to become the new head coach
- Valverde’s tenure included 494 matches across three spells and notable triumphs in the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and Champions League qualifications
Valverde Ends Tenure After Three Spells with Athletic Bilbao
Ernesto Valverde, a figure revered both as player and manager by Athletic Bilbao supporters, has officially revealed that he will leave his managerial post following the conclusion of this campaign. Currently in his fourth consecutive term at the helm, Valverde’s departure comes as his contract approaches its scheduled expiry at season’s end.
Having previously sidestepped questions regarding his future in media interactions, the esteemed coach has now made clear that the decision was reached collaboratively with the club’s hierarchy. “It’s a decision I have been considering for some time and has been discussed with the club,” stated Valverde.
ℹ️ Ernesto Valverde anuncia que no será el entrenador del Athletic la próxima temporada.
"Es una decisión que he madurado desde hace tiempo y está hablada con el Club"
"Faltan diez partidos en los que tenemos mucho que ganar"
Queda pendiente una despedida a tu altura, mister.
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) March 20, 2026
Management’s Efforts and a Potential Successor
Despite Athletic Bilbao president Uriarte’s best attempts to persuade Valverde – affectionately known as “Chingurri” – to remain at the club for a fifth season, his efforts were ultimately in vain. Sporting director Mikel González had recently indicated that talks would be held with Valverde in the coming weeks, seeking clarification on his position.
Attention has already turned to finding Valverde’s successor, and according to the Spanish outlet “AS,” Edin Terzić has been identified as the primary candidate for the job. Terzić, aged 43, has previously managed Borussia Dortmund in two separate spells and claimed the German Cup.
Achievements and Career at Athletic Bilbao
Valverde exits after amassing a decade’s worth of managerial experience across three separate periods with “Los Leones” – comprising one stint of two years and two further four-year stretches. His reign witnessed significant achievements, including securing the Spanish Super Cup in 2015, lifting the Copa del Rey in 2024, and guiding the club to the Champions League in both 2014 and 2025.
A club-issued farewell message acknowledged Valverde’s contributions, stating: “There are ten games left in which we have a lot to win. Soon, we will organize a farewell worthy of you, Mister.”
Valverde: By the Numbers
With 494 matches overseen as Athletic manager, Valverde is on course to reach the milestone of 500 fixtures by the end of the current season. As a player, his legacy includes six seasons at the club, totalling 188 appearances wearing the famous red and white jersey.
Before his most recent return to San Mamés in 2022, Valverde spent time at Barcelona, leading the Catalan club from 1 July 2017 to 13 January 2020.
