Athletic Club Chooses Ernesto Valverde's Replacement

Apuesta a este partido aquí

La Liga

1 X 2

Mallorca Athletic Bilbao

17/01/26 16:15:00

3.75 3.00 2.15

 PUBLICIDAD

Cuotas validas al publicarse, sujetas a cambios. Regístrese en bet365, ingrese 5€ o más en su cuenta y conseguirá un 100% de su ingreso válido en créditos de apuesta (hasta 100€). Solo para clientes nuevos. Se aplican las condiciones. Las ganancias no incluyen el importe de los créditos de apuesta. Se aplican premios máximos, restricciones de juego, límites de tiempo y condiciones. Es necesario registrarse.

The Athletic Club is going through a period of maximum institutional and sporting tension after the thrashing suffered against FC Barcelona, a result that has accelerated processes that seemed destined for the summer. Ernesto Valverde, a historic figure on the San Mamés bench, finds himself in an extremely fragile position despite his undeniable legacy.

Faced with the evidence of a project showing signs of fatigue, the board led by Jon Uriarte has swiftly made a move. The chosen one to take the reins of the new red-and-white chapter is Iñigo Pérez, the current strategist of Rayo Vallecano, with whom there would already be a verbal agreement to lead the Ibaigane bench.

The end of the Valverde era at Athletic Club

Athletic Club dreamed of a historic season after returning to the Champions League, but the competitive reality has been a cold shower for the fans. The reinforcements of Robert Navarro and Jesús Areso, combined with the hopeful stay of Nico Williams, have not been sufficient to maintain the required consistency at the top level.

The eighth position in the domestic league and the slim chances of progressing in the continental tournament have worn down the figure of "Txingurri." The Extremaduran coach himself seems convinced that his cycle has ended, preferring a dignified exit before compromising his status as a local idol. With Andoni Iraola's refusal to leave English football, the sports management has turned its focus to the Spanish capital. In Vallecas, a young coach has attracted all eyes due to his tactical ability and profound understanding of the Bilbao team's idiosyncrasy.

Iñigo Pérez and the verbal agreement to return home

Iñigo Pérez's name has gained unstoppable strength in recent hours due to his brilliant management at Rayo Vallecano. Under his leadership, the Madrid-based team not only secured European qualification but has also established itself as a serious candidate to win the Conference League.

This performance has not gone unnoticed by Athletic Club, which seeks freshness, modernity, and a deeply rooted sense of belonging. Pérez, who wore the red-and-white shirt as a player until 2014, fully understands the demands and unique philosophy surrounding the Lezama institution. Sources close to the Basque environment confirm that there is already a gentlemen's agreement for the Pamplona native to take over the position imminently. The board sees in him the profile capable of revitalizing a squad that seems to have lost its competitive spark in crucial moments of the season.

A shift in the red-and-white philosophy

The transition in the dugout will not be easy, given the respect imposed by Valverde's figure, but the urgency of results dictates. Athletic Club needs a tactical boost to harness young talent and restore the defensive solidity that characterized them in previous campaigns. Iñigo Pérez would arrive with credentials as one of the most promising coaches in Spanish football, standing out for his daring and organized style of play. His return to San Mamés would signify a commitment to generational continuity and the evolution of a model that requires new external stimuli.

The thrashing in the Super Cup has been the final trigger for a change that had already been simmering slowly in the offices of Ibaigane. The verbal agreement is the first step towards a profound restructuring aimed at returning the club to the top positions nationally and internationally. Athletic Club is thus entering a necessary transformation phase, where the experience of veterans must merge with the ambition of a renewed coaching staff. The fans eagerly await the confirmation of a change that promises to reignite the excitement in the stands of "La Catedral" in this tumultuous start to 2026.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Athletic Club elige al sustituto de Ernesto Valverde