A significant chapter in Athletic Bilbao’s history has closed, only for a bold new one to begin. The Basque giants have officially confirmed that Edin Terzić will be their new head coach, taking over the reins from the departing Ernesto Valverde at the end of the current season.
The 43-year-old German-Croatian tactician returns to the dugout for the first time since leaving Borussia Dortmund in June 2024. His mission is clear: revitalize a squad coming off a transitional season and restore “Los Leones” to the pinnacle of Spanish and European football.
The End of the Valverde Dynasty
Ernesto Valverde’s departure marks the end of a four-year tenure. The former Barcelona and Olympiacos manager had previously signaled his intent to step down from his beloved Bilbao, a club where he remains the record-holder for the most games managed. While his exit is bittersweet for the fans, the appointment of Terzić signals a shift toward a more modern, high-intensity European style of play.
Why Terzić? From Westfalenstadion to San Mamés
While rumors heavily linked Andoni Iraola, following his stellar work with Bournemouth, to the vacancy, the Bilbao board ultimately opted for the pedigree of Terzić.
Terzić is no stranger to high-pressure environments. His time at Borussia Dortmund was marked by two distinct spells:
- 2020-2021: An interim period where he guided BVB in 29 matches, famously winning the DFB-Pokal.
- 2022-2024: A permanent stint covering 96 matches, where he led the club to within minutes of a Bundesliga title and reached a Champions League final.
Having been out of the game for nearly two years, Terzić is reportedly “recharged and hungry” to adapt his tactical flexibility to the unique, youth-focused philosophy of Athletic Bilbao.
What to Expect Under Terzić
| Feature | Tactical Impact |
| Formation | Likely a shift between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. |
| Style | Heavy emphasis on “Gegenpressing” and vertical transitions. |
| Youth Focus | Perfect fit for the Lezama academy system, given his history of developing world-class talent at BVB. |
A Crucial Summer Ahead
President Jon Uriarte’s decision to move for Terzić represents a significant investment in a “non-Spanish” managerial profile, something rare for the Basque club. With the 2026/27 season on the horizon, the San Mamés faithful are eager to see if the “Dortmund DNA” can translate into silverware in Bilbao.
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