Madrid, August 15: Athletic Bilbao’s newly appointed coach, Edin Terzić, is confident that his team will challenge for European qualification in the upcoming La Liga season. The former Borussia Dortmund coach took over the Basque club this summer after Ernesto Valverde stepped down following his fourth season in a third stint.
The Athletic Club struggled to maintain consistent performance during the 2025-26 season, finishing 12th in La Liga. However, Terzić is optimistic about the pre-season campaign, where his team faced only one defeat.
“The team is ready to play in Europe based on quality,” Terzić stated a week before the league campaign kicks off against Sevilla at home. He added, “If we deserve it, it will be because we work harder and better, and that will prepare us. Europe is one of our goals.”
Terzić also expressed his admiration for the connection between Athletic and its supporters since his arrival. “I see the bond people have with the club, and it makes you proud. It doesn’t matter your age or gender; everyone feels a connection to the club, and that’s why I take great pride in coaching this team.”
The 43-year-old coach downplayed the pressure associated with his new role, stating that his own expectations surpass those of the supporters. “Everyone talks about pressure in football, but there is pressure in everything in life. I don’t feel external pressure; it’s internal. No one can put as much pressure on me as I do on myself.”
Earlier, Athletic Club announced that central defender Yeray Álvarez signed a new contract until June 2028, ending uncertainty about the 31-year-old’s future. He has spent his entire career at the club, playing 259 matches for the first team.
His match count could have been higher if not for two breaks for cancer treatment. This season, Álvarez had to sit out until April. He was suspended for ten months by UEFA after testing positive for a banned substance found in medication he took to prevent hair loss post-treatment.
Club sporting director Mikel González commented, “Yeray has always been a reliable player. He is a center-back who wins one-on-one duels, has great focus, and possesses a winning mentality. He has shown tremendous resilience throughout his career in facing challenges.”
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