The Athletic Club is preparing for the post-Valverde era as Ernesto Valverde announced his decision to leave at the end of the season. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the club, which has spanned 128 years. Valverde has been a cornerstone of the club, having transitioned from player to coach over multiple tenures.
Candidates to Replace Valverde as Athletic Bilbao Coach
As Athletic begins the search for Valverde’s successor, the board led by Jon Uriarte is considering several potential candidates. The selection process is crucial for identifying the right professional to take over from one of the club’s greatest facilitators.
Potential Candidates
- Andoni Iraola – Currently at Bournemouth
- Roberto de Zerbi – Unemployed
- Mauricio Pochettino – Current US national team coach
- Iñigo Pérez – Head coach of Rayo Vallecano
- Edin Terzic – Unemployed
- Claudio Giráldez – Head coach of Celta
Candidate Profiles
Andoni Iraola
A former player for Athletic, Iraola has had a successful coaching career. He managed the Rayo Vallecano before moving to Bournemouth. He is known for his tactical acumen and has a history with Athletic that endears him to fans.
Roberto de Zerbi
Currently without a team, De Zerbi is recognized for his attractive and dynamic style of play. He has had notable stints at Sassuolo, Brighton, and Olympique de Marseille but faced challenges at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino, now the head coach of the US national team, was considered in Athletic’s previous coaching search in 2022. His experience with clubs like Spurs and PSG is impressive, making him a candidate with high-level credentials.
Iñigo Pérez
Having spent years at Athletic, Pérez has recently made a mark as head coach of Rayo Vallecano. His knowledge of the club’s culture and his success in promoting youth talent are significant assets.
Edin Terzic
With experience at Borussia Dortmund, Terzic is known for developing young players and has gained attention from Athletic for his coaching abilities. He has previously reached the Champions League finals.
Claudio Giráldez
Currently coaching Celta, Giráldez has propelled the team into European competitions. His commitment to nurturing young talent aligns well with Athletic’s philosophy.
The process of selecting the next coach is underway. Athletic Club aims to honor Valverde’s legacy while finding a leader who can continue the club’s tradition and success.
