The future of Valverde at Athletic hangs by a thread

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UEFA Champions League

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Atalanta Athletic Bilbao

21/01/26 21:00:00

1.85 3.50 4.20

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Ernesto Valverde faces one of the most delicate moments of his extensive career at Athletic Club de Bilbao. The coach from Viandar de la Vera will end his contract on June 30, and at this point, his continuity no longer seems like a natural consequence of the sports project.

The institutional context adds to the reflection. Jon Uriarte Uranga will conclude his term as president, presumably with continuity, but the bench does not offer the same stability, as reported by 'Eldesmarque'. The team's performance in LaLiga has sparked a debate that seemed unthinkable just a year ago.

Ernesto Valverde has historically been linked to Athletic's recent glory moments. However, the midway point of the season presents worrying figures that affect any future negotiations.

Ernesto Valverde and the concerning numbers in Bilbao

Athletic Club de Bilbao ended the first half of the season with 24 points, twelve less than the previous season. It is the second-worst record for the club in Ernesto Valverde's ten seasons leading the team.

Only the 2014-15 season had a lower balance at this point, with 19 points. That season was also marked by the demands of competing in Europe, a parallel that does not go unnoticed.

Compared to the previous season, the decline is evident. Fewer wins, more losses, and a clearly negative goal difference. The team has gone from scoring 29 goals to just 17, while the goals conceded have increased from 17 to 25.

The attack, a major concern

The offensive decline explains much of the doubts about Ernesto Valverde. Key players like Oihan Sancet, Guruzeta, or Iñaki Williams have significantly reduced their goal production.

Only Nico Williams and Robert Navarro have maintained acceptable figures. For a team that aims to compete in Spain for ambitious goals, this data is alarming.

The second half will decide the future

History favors the coach. In previous seasons, Ernesto Valverde led outstanding second halves that corrected poor starts. The precedent calls for caution before making drastic decisions. Nevertheless, the margin of error is minimal. The Copa del Rey and the league championship will determine the final verdict.

Valverde is not offering the same guarantees as in past seasons, and at this moment, his renewal is up in the air; the season is long, and his continuity is at stake.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El futuro de Valverde en el Athletic pende de un hilo