NewKerala.com

Athletic Bilbao Appoints Edin Terzic as New Head Coach for Two Seasons

Athletic Bilbao has confirmed Edin Terzic as their new head coach, replacing Ernesto Valverde. The 43-year-old German-born coach has signed a two-year contract until June 2028. Terzic previously managed Borussia Dortmund, leading them to the 2023 Bundesliga title race and the 2024 Champions League final. The club values his experience in developing young players and his commitment to attacking football.

Key Points: Athletic Bilbao Names Edin Terzic as Head Coach

  • Edin Terzic appointed Athletic Bilbao head coach for two seasons
  • Replaces Ernesto Valverde who left after 10 seasons
  • Terzic led Dortmund to 2023 Bundesliga title race & 2024 UCL final
  • Returns to coaching after two-season break
2 min read

Athletic Bilbao confirm Edin Terzic as new first team coach for the next two seasons

Athletic Bilbao confirms Edin Terzic as new head coach on a two-year deal, replacing Ernesto Valverde. The former Dortmund boss returns to coaching.

"Edin Terzić has agreed a deal to become Athletic Club's head coach for the next two seasons - Athletic Bilbao"

Madrid, May 5

Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday confirmed Edin Terzic as the club's replacement for Ernesto Valverde as first-team coach from the end of the season. The 43-year-old Germany-born coach has agreed a two-year contract until the end of June 2028 and returns to coaching after a two-season break following his departure from Borussia Dortmund.

Terzic has experience working in Borussia Dortmund's youth system and also served as assistant to Slaven Bilic at Turkish side Besiktas and at West Ham United.

"Edin Terzić has agreed a deal to become Athletic Club's head coach for the next two seasons," the club said in a post on social media. "Terzić will be officially presented as our new head coach at the start of the new season. Currently, all focus is on the four crucial remaining matches," the club said in a statement on Tuesday.

During his time at Borussia Dortmund, he guided the club to the brink of the Bundesliga title in the 2023 season, only to lose out to Bayern Munich on goal difference. The following year, he led Dortmund to the Champions League final, where it lost 2-0 to Real Madrid, reports Xinhua.

The La Liga club Athletic Bilbao is thought to value his experience in developing young players as well as his commitment to attacking football and tactical flexibility. The club, one of Spain's traditional powerhouses that depends on local talent, said Terzic will be officially presented to fans and supporters at the end of the current season.

Valverde announced in May that he would not continue at the club, where he has coached for 10 years across three spells, and he celebrated his 500th game in charge during Saturday's 4-2 win away to Deportivo Alaves.

Terzic had previously been Slaven Bilic's assistant at Turkish club Besiktas and Premier League side West Ham. Athletic Club are currently eighth in Spain's La Liga table with four games of the season left.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a football fan from India, I've followed Athletic Bilbao's philosophy for years. Terzic's attacking football and youth development record are exactly what they need after Valverde's long tenure. But two years is a short contract for such a big transition - hope he gets proper time to implement his ideas. The club depends on local talent, so cultural fit will be crucial 🤔
V
Vikram M
Finally some fresh blood in La Liga! Tired of seeing the same old recycled coaches. Terzic got Dortmund to a CL final and nearly won the Bundesliga - that's impressive for a relatively young coach. Athletic Bilbao's academy is legendary, and his experience with Dortmund's youth setup is a perfect match. Just hope the Basque identity doesn't clash with his methods. Exciting times ahead! 🔥
A
Ananya R
Respect to Valverde for 500 games and 10 years across three spells - that's incredible loyalty in modern football. But change was needed; Athletic Bilbao have been mid-table for too long. Terzic's attacking philosophy could bring back some excitement. I'm cautiously optimistic, though La Liga's physicality might be a shock after Bundesliga. Let's see if he can get them back to Europa League contention.
R
Rohit P
Athletic Bilbao appointing a non-Basque coach is always a gamble, but Terzic's record with youth is undeniable. Look at what he did with Bellingham and Adeyemi at Dortmund! If he can replicate even half of that with their cantera players, they'll be set. That said, his defensive organization was questioned in Germany - Real Madrid exposed that in the CL final. Hope he's learned from it.
K

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50