Athletic Club initiated their search for a new head coach last week, following Ernesto Valverde’s announcement of his departure upon his contract’s expiration this season. Initially, Andoni Iraola, the Bournemouth head coach and a club legend, was considered the frontrunner. However, recent reports indicate that President Jon Uriarte now prefers Edin Terzic.
Terzic, unemployed since his departure from Borussia Dortmund shortly after their 2023-24 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid, is considered an ideal successor to Valverde. Preliminary discussions have already occurred with his agents.
According to RTL (citing Cadena SER), Terzic is reportedly receptive to managing Athletic. However, he declined to comment when questioned by the media recently.
“I have stopped commenting on rumors, regardless of whether they are true or not. I have not done it in the past and I will not do it in the future either.”
Is Terzic the right man for the job?
Terzic’s emergence as the leading candidate to succeed Valverde has surprised many, especially since Iraola was widely regarded as a more suitable choice. Nevertheless, the 43-year-old German tactician demonstrated considerable capability during his tenure at Dortmund, and after a two-year hiatus, a move to San Mames might be an ideal career step.
The unfolding of Athletic’s managerial hunt will be closely watched. Negotiations with Terzic are anticipated to continue over the next few weeks, with the aim of securing an agreement before summer. Optimism surrounds the prospect of the German coach taking the helm next season, though no final decisions have been made yet.
