Ernesto Valverde ends Athletic Club tenure after decade

Ernesto Valverde concluded his three-stage tenure at Athletic Club on Saturday with a league match against Real Madrid at San Mamés. The 63-year-old coach delivered his final farewell to the club’s supporters during the 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo on Sunday, marking the end of a decade-long association that spanned three distinct periods as first-team manager. On Thursday, Valverde addressed the media for the last time in Lezama, the club’s training facility, reflecting on his journey that began in 2013. His departure follows a structured exit process initiated after the conclusion of the previous season. Athletic Club confirmed the conclusion of Valverde’s contract on Friday, finalizing administrative details ahead of the final matchday fixture. The club’s statement emphasized the mutual agreement reached with the outgoing coach. Valverde’s first spell as Athletic manager ran from 2013 to 2017, during which he led the team to the Copa del Rey final in 2015. He returned for a second stint from 2022 to 2024 before completing his third and current period this season. The match against Real Madrid served as the symbolic endpoint of his chapter at the club, with players and staff acknowledging his contributions in pre-match tributes. The 1-1 result preserved Athletic’s top-half finish in LaLiga. Club president Aitor Elizegi praised Valverde’s dedication during a post-match press briefing, highlighting his professionalism throughout the transition. The club’s hierarchy framed the departure as part of a planned evolution in its technical structure. Athletic Club will now commence the search for a new head coach, with the board prioritizing continuity in the team’s competitive trajectory. The club’s academy system remains a central pillar in the transition strategy.