Athletic Bilbao have confirmed that Ernesto Valverde will step down as head coach at the end of the season, bringing his third spell in charge of the Basque Country side to an end.
The decision is understood to have been reached following internal discussions, with both parties aligned on the timing of his departure after a lengthy and largely successful association.
Valverde leaves behind a strong legacy at San Mames, having overseen one of the club’s most successful periods in recent history.
The highlight of his latest stint came in 2024, when he guided Bilbao to their first major trophy in four decades by lifting the Copa del Rey.
That success was followed by consistent European involvement, including a return to the UEFA Champions League and a deep run in the UEFA Europa League, where the club reached the semi-finals.
However, the current campaign has not quite matched those previous heights, with performances falling below the standard set in recent seasons and Valverde appears to believe that it’s the right time for a change in the dugout.
“Hello everyone. I’m here today to announce that I won’t be Athletic’s head coach next season,” the experienced tactician said in a statement made public by the Spanish club. “This is a decision I’ve come to over time, one that I’ve discussed with the club, and I wanted to share it with you.
Despite the announcement, Valverde will remain in charge for the remainder of the season, with several crucial fixtures still to be played in La Liga as Athletic Bilbao look to finish the ongoing campaign in strong fashion.
“At the same time, it’s worth noting that we have ten crucial league matches left, starting this Sunday against Betis. Ten matches in which we aim to achieve our goals, in which we have a lot to gain, in which we’re going to give it our all and which, without a doubt, we can win if we all stick together.”
The 60-year-old is on course to record a huge milestone before his time at San Mames comes to an end. By the time the current campaign ends, he will have managed over 500 matches across his three spells as head coach of the Basque Country club.
