#athletic_club

Tottenham Hotspur are set to seek a new manager this summer as the club looks to replace Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank. While fans may be tempted to revive a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino, club officials Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham are advised to evaluate a range of qualified candidates for a role that has become increasingly challenging. Spurs have a storied history of employing high-profile managers, including legends like Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho. This has fueled fan frustration over Pochettino’s dismissal years ago, with many arguing that his departure was premature. Now, as the club prepares for the 2026/27 season, a new name has emerged in the managerial market. Ernesto Valverde, via Fabrizio Romano, is set to leave Athletic Club at the end of the 2025/26 season, marking the end of his successful tenure at the Basque club. Valverde’s departure is not without context. Both he and Athletic have faced disappointment this season, though the manager’s performance is not the primary issue. Key players like Nico Williams have underperformed, prompting calls for fresh ideas. Valverde, however, has a proven track record in Spanish football. He previously managed Barcelona, where his achievements included two La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey win, despite facing criticism from some fans. His recent success with Athletic, including a Copa del Rey victory in his second stint, underscores his ability to deliver results. Valverde’s decision to step down voluntarily highlights his professionalism. While transitioning from La Liga to the English Premier League may seem daunting, his experience and accomplishments make him a compelling candidate for Spurs. Compared to current managers like Ange Postecoglou, Nuno Espirito Santo, Thomas Frank, and Igor Tudor, Valverde’s credentials stand out.#athletic_club #ernesto_valverde #tottenham_hotspur #igor_tudor #thomas_frank

Athletic Club Manager Ernesto Valverde Announces Exit, Andoni Iraola Denies Talks Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde has confirmed his decision to leave the club at the end of the season, following the official announcement on Friday. The 53-year-old, known as ‘El Txingurri,’ will conclude his third stint at the Basque giants after four years of success, including a return to the Champions League and a Copa del Rey triumph. Speaking ahead of Athletic’s match against Real Betis, Valverde explained that his decision was made several months ago, with the timing of the announcement tied to the club’s internal processes. Valverde emphasized that the decision was not recent but had been in the works for some time. “It’s not something from a few months ago, but from quite some time ago. Making it public now is more a response to the club’s current situation,” he said during a press conference. He noted that elections would take place at the end of the year, and the board would need to appoint a new manager. “Since it wasn’t going to be me, I announced it to make the situation easier.” The club currently sits in 10th place in La Liga, with a seven-point cushion over the relegation zone. However, they remain just three points away from a potential European spot. Valverde acknowledged the importance of the remaining ten games, stating, “There are still goals we can achieve, and we don’t want any surprises. I’ve been with Athletic for almost 500 games, and I have a feeling that these next ten are going to be the most important.” He also warned against premature reflection, saying, “It’s not the time to take stock because many people tend to turn the page before finishing the book.” Valverde was asked about the reasons behind his departure and whether Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola would succeed him.#la_liga #athletic_club #ernesto_valverde #real_betis #andoni_iraola

Athletic Club Coach Ernesto Valverde to Leave at End of Season Ernesto Valverde, the head coach of Athletic Club, has confirmed he will depart the club at the conclusion of the current season. The announcement came on Friday, with Valverde stating that his contract, which is set to expire in June, will not be renewed. The 54-year-old, who has been a pivotal figure in the club’s history, will oversee his 495th match as manager in Sunday’s LaLiga fixture against Real Betis. This milestone marks the culmination of his tenure, which has spanned three distinct periods at the helm of the Basque-based team. Valverde’s coaching career with Athletic has been defined by consistency and a deep connection to the club’s identity. He first took charge in 2003, leading the team through a successful era before stepping down in 2005. After a brief hiatus, he returned in 2013, guiding the club to multiple domestic and European triumphs, including the 2024 Copa del Rey title. His third stint began in 2022, during which he has continued to build on the legacy of the club’s unique approach, which prioritizes local talent and tactical discipline. Beyond his achievements with Athletic, Valverde’s career has also included a notable chapter at Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles in 2017 and 2018. His time at the Catalan giants solidified his reputation as a tactician capable of leading top-tier teams to success. However, his decision to leave Athletic marks a significant shift, as he will now seek new challenges beyond the Basque region. The club’s management has not disclosed specific reasons for his departure, leaving the focus on his contributions to the team’s recent successes and the legacy he leaves behind.#la_liga #copa_del_rey #athletic_club #ernesto_valverde #real_betis

Sara Ortega, una 'leona' centenaria: "El Athletic es mi casa, donde he crecido y donde quiero disfrutar cada día" Sara Ortega, una jugadora del Athletic Club, se prepara para enfrentar al Barcelona en un partido clave este sábado. Con 21 años, ha acumulado 102 partidos con el primer equipo desde su debut. El duelo, programado para las 19:00 horas en el Johan Cruyff, representa un desafío importante. "Es un partido bonito, en el que sabes que te van a someter, pero a todas nos gusta jugar. Nos enfrentamos a las mejores del mundo y eso es una motivación extra para llevarnos los tres puntos", afirmó. Para lograr un resultado positivo, destacó la importancia de un partido serio y una defensa sólida. "Llevamos trabajando toda la semana en el plan de partido y ahora toca plasmarlo sobre el verde", añadió. El Athletic enfrenta al Barcelona en un momento crucial, ya que el rival llega tras una semana de descanso tras las semifinales de la Supercopa de España y está en la antesala de la Champions League. "Es un equipo acostumbrado a jugar entre semana y fines de semana, pero creo que es un buen momento para intentar pillarles despistadas. Ante un equipo de tanto nivel es necesario hacer un muy buen partido para rascar algo positivo", insistió. La jugadora, que volverá a medirse a su amiga Vicky López, mencionó que aunque no suelen escribirse antes del partido, siempre hay un "pique" y "vacile" en la previa. El Athletic, octavo en la clasificación con 32 puntos, enfrenta a la Real Sociedad, tercera con 32 puntos, que marca la frontera de las plazas europeas. "No empezamos la temporada de la mejor manera, pero hemos encadenado una muy buena racha que nos hace estar en la lucha. Todavía quedan muchos puntos en juego y vamos a ir a por ello", destacó.#barcelona #real_sociedad #athletic_club #sara_ortega #johan_cruyff

Girona vs Athletic Club: predictions, stats, tips & odds Girona will host Athletic Club in a La Liga clash that promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, with both teams vying for improved positions in the league table. The match, set for Saturday at Estadi Montilivi, will see Girona’s emphasis on technical precision face off against Athletic Club’s attacking intent. Recent performances suggest the game will hinge on fine margins, as both sides have struggled to convert their chances into wins. The hosts have faced challenges in translating possession into goals, while Athletic Club have created more opportunities than they’ve managed to capitalize on. This dynamic makes Saturday’s encounter a compelling match, with defensive vulnerabilities on both sides likely to shape the outcome. For bettors, the goals market stands out as a strong proposition. Both teams have shown attacking prowess, with Girona conceding 43 goals and Athletic Club 37 this season. Historical head-to-head meetings have also leaned toward high-scoring games, with 3+ goals in four of the last six encounters. A prediction of over 2.5 goals at 1/1 with Bet365 is highlighted as a confident bet, given the teams’ tendencies to score. Girona’s potential to avoid defeat is another key angle. The club has drawn 10 of its 27 league games, demonstrating resilience but also a lack of finishing ability. Meanwhile, Athletic Club’s inconsistent away form and recent struggles to secure wins could play into Girona’s favor. The hosts’ home advantage, combined with their pass accuracy, may help them avoid a loss. Seasonal form reveals a close contest. Athletic Club currently sit in 10th place with 35 points, while Girona trail in 15th with 31 points. Despite Girona’s 10 draws, their negative goal difference (-15) highlights defensive issues.#bet365 #la_liga #girona #athletic_club #estadi_montilivi

Míchel Asks for Depth and Aggressiveness Before Facing Athletic Girona coach Míchel Sánchez addressed the media ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Athletic Club, emphasizing the need for focus and preparation. The encounter, which he described as important but not overly significant, requires Girona to maintain their usual approach of concentrating on the immediate game. “I take it game by game, and it is an important match,” Míchel said, highlighting the challenges posed by Athletic’s strong performance. He acknowledged the difficulty of the competition and the quality of the opposition, stressing that Girona must be at their best to secure a positive result. The coach outlined key tactical adjustments Girona has worked on during the week, particularly in attack. Míchel emphasized the team’s focus on offensive depth and aggressiveness, aiming to create pressure in the final third. “This week, we have especially worked on depth and aggressiveness. Reaching the opponent’s goal with the feeling that we have to cause damage,” he explained. He noted that Girona needs to improve in this area to maximize their chances against Athletic. Míchel also analyzed Athletic’s strengths, particularly their ability to recover possession in advanced areas. He warned that Girona must be precise in their build-up play and avoid giving Athletic opportunities to counterattack. “Athletic Club is the team that recovers the most balls in the opponent’s half. This means we need to have a very good rhythm of play and surpass their lines in two or three passes,” he said. The coach highlighted the importance of maintaining control and verticality in attack to overcome Athletic’s high press.#match #girona #athletic_club #mchel_snchez #tactical_adjustments

Lamine Yamal adelanta al Barça en San Mamés El partido entre Athletic Club y FC Barcelona se desarrolló en el estadio San Mamés el sábado 7 de marzo de 2026. El encuentro, correspondiente a la jornada 27 de LaLiga EA Sports, fue arbitrado por José Luis Munuera Montero. El Barça se adelantó al minuto 71 gracias a un remate de Lamine Yamal desde el lado derecho del área. El jugador, que llevaba el dorsal 10, marcó el primer gol del partido tras un centro desde la banda izquierda. El partido comenzó con un ritmo intenso, marcado por múltiples ocasiones de peligro. Robert Lewandowski, sustituido en el minuto 67 por Ferran Torres, tuvo una ocasión clara al minuto 56, pero su remate fue desviado por el portero del Athletic. En la primera mitad, ambos equipos alternaron presión y faltas, con el Athletic mostrando mayor control en los minutos iniciales. El Barça sufrió una serie de cambios en la segunda mitad, incluyendo la entrada de Fermín López, Raphinha y Robert Lewandowski. El Athletic también realizó ajustes tácticos, sustituyendo a Iñaki Williams por Gorka Guruzeta y a Alejandro Rego por Mikel Vesga. Durante el partido, se registraron varias tarjetas amarillas: Alejandro Rego (minuto 49), Pau Cubarsí (minuto 56) y Adama Boiro (minuto 75). El Athletic intentó reaccionar en los minutos finales, pero el Barça mantuvo su ventaja hasta el final. El partido terminó con un resultado de 1-0 a favor del Barça, consolidando su liderato en la Liga. La jornada 27 fue un claro ejemplo de la intensidad competitiva del campeonato, con momentos de tensión y decisiones tácticas que definieron el desarrollo del encuentro.#athletic_club #san_mams #fc_barcelona #lamine_yamal #la_liga_ea_sports

Athletic-Barça: Flick y Valverde revolucionan sus ONCES en San Mamés Athletic Club y Barcelona no podrán disputar la final de Copa, pero ambos equipos prometen seguir compitiendo con intensidad en La Liga. El partido en San Mamés se convierte en una oportunidad para mantener la rivalidad entre los dos grandes de España, con el visitante buscando consolidar su liderato en la liga. El partido se desarrollará en un ambiente cargado de emociones, ya que el Athletic Club llevará un homenaje especial en su vestuario. El equipo lucirá el brazalete negro en honor al fallecimiento de la abuela de Gavi, un gesto que refleja el respeto y la cercanía entre los jugadores y su familia. Este tributo será un recuerdo conmovedor para los aficionados y una muestra de la importancia de los valores humanos en el fútbol. En la previa del encuentro, Hansi Flick dio pistas sobre su estrategia táctica. El entrenador del Barça confirmó que Eric jugará como lateral derecho, mientras que Cancelo ocupará el puesto de lateral izquierdo. Esta alineación busca equilibrar la defensa con la capacidad de ataque del equipo catalán. Por su parte, Marcelino Valverde presentó la formación del Athletic Club, destacando la apuesta por Unai Gómez como punta de ataque. Selton actuará como mediapunta, acompañado por Iñaki Williams y Berenguer en la delantera. En la medular del equipo, Jauregizar y Rego se encargarán de controlar el juego, mientras que Adama y Gorosabel buscarán posiciones en las bandas laterales de la defensa. El partido también contará con cambios en el once del Barça, donde Flick decidió incluir a Joan, Cancelo, Cubarsí, Eric, Gerard Martín, Casadó, Bernal, Olmo, Lamine, Rashford y Ferran.#barcelona #athletic_club #san_mams #unai_gmez #marcelino_valverde

Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Club: Copa del Rey Semifinal Preview Real Sociedad faces Athletic Club in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday, March 4. The Basque derby, held at Real Sociedad’s home stadium, San Mamés, sees the home team enter with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg. Beñat Turrientes scored the decisive goal in the opening match, securing a road victory for Sociedad. The two clubs are closely matched in La Liga, with Real Sociedad currently in eighth place and Athletic Club in ninth. Both teams have accumulated 35 points after 26 matches, reflecting their strong performances this season. The rivalry between the sides is further highlighted by their recent Copa del Rey history. Real Sociedad last claimed the trophy in 2020, defeating Athletic Club in the final, while Athletic Club won the competition in 2024 by overcoming Mallorca. The winner of this semifinal will face Atletico Madrid in the final. Atletico advanced to the final by narrowly defeating Barcelona in the other semifinal. The upcoming match will determine which Basque club advances to the final, adding to the significance of the derby. Despite the teams’ parity, Real Sociedad holds a slight edge due to the first-leg advantage and the home crowd’s support. The match is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the final. Analysts predict a narrow victory for the hosts, with Real Sociedad likely to dominate proceedings on their turf. The game will be broadcast live, with fans across Spain and beyond eagerly anticipating the outcome. As the teams prepare for the high-stakes encounter, the rivalry’s history and the potential for a dramatic final showdown continue to fuel excitement for the tournament’s next chapter.#copa_del_rey #atletico_madrid #real_sociedad #athletic_club #san_mame_s

Real Sociedad and Athletic Club Set for High-Stakes Derby Semi-Final Clash Athletic Club heads into Wednesday’s semi-final showdown against Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium with the weight of overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. The Basque side, known as El Txuri-Urdin, enters the match as favorites despite missing key player Nico Williams, who is sidelined due to injury. Manager Ernesto Valverde confirmed to MD that Williams would not be fit to play, while Yuri Berchiche and Aymeric Laporte are also dealing with discomfort, leaving their availability uncertain. On the other hand, Real Sociedad’s Pellegrino Matarazzo revealed that Orri Oskarsson is out of the squad for recovery, though Ander Barrenetxea and Luka Sucic are expected to feature. Both managers hinted that reserve goalkeepers Alex Padilla (Athletic) and Unai Marrero (Real Sociedad) could start, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to the match. Valverde emphasized his team’s focus on executing a plan rather than worrying about the match’s duration. “We don’t care if it’s a long or short match,” he said. “Our priority is to come back. If we don’t concede, we just need to score one. If we do concede, we have to score more. The match will last around 90 minutes, but the outcome depends on how we manage the game.” He also downplayed concerns about conceding two goals on aggregate, noting the absence of the away goals rule. “Now, if we concede two, we have to score more than the opponent. We’ll try to win the game and I don’t expect a close match. We’re going to give it our all to win.” Matarazzo, meanwhile, praised his team’s preparation and energy ahead of the clash. “What I’m feeling is a really good energy, the perfect level of tension,” he said. “We can’t be too tense for an important match.#real_sociedad #athletic_club #anoeta_stadium #er_Nesto_valverde #pellegrino_matarazzo

Real Sociedad avanzó a la final de la Copa del Rey al vencer 1-0 a Athletic Club en el Reale Arena, repitiendo el resultado de la ida de las semifinales. El partido, marcado por una intensa tensión, se disputó ante un estadio repleto y terminó con el triunfo del conjunto de San Sebastián, que ahora se enfrentará al Atlético Madrid en la gran final del torneo, prevista para el 18 de abril en La Cartuja, Sevilla. El partido comenzó con el dominio de Real Sociedad, que aprovechó las primeras oportunidades para crear peligro. A los 12 minutos, Carlos Soler ejecutó un tiro libre desde la derecha que fue desviado al córner por el arquero visitante, Álex Padilla. En la segunda parte, el Athletic intentó reaccionar, pero sus defensas evitaron que se abriera el marcador. Un error en la salida del rival a los 15 minutos casi costó el primer tanto, pero los visitantes se recuperaron rápidamente. La ventaja del local se consolidó en el minuto 42 cuando Mikel Oyarzabal convirtió un penal tras una falta de Yangel Herrera en un córner. El árbitro, tras consultar el VAR, señaló el penal tras una acción en la que el defensor del Athletic fue derribado. Oyarzabal, desde los 12 pasos, selló el triunfo y el pase a la final. Este resultado le da a Real Sociedad la confianza necesaria para enfrentar al Atlético Madrid, que eliminó a Barcelona en la otra semifinal. El conjunto de Ernesto Valverde, que llegó a la instancia tras empatar con Rayo Vallecano, ahora se enfrentará a su rival del fútbol vasco. En la ida de las semifinales, Real Sociedad ya había vencido 1-0 en Bilbao, lo que le otorgó un buen arranque para el partido de vuelta. Con este triunfo, el club se prepara para su tercera final de la Copa del Rey, una hazaña que logró en 2020.#atltico_madrid #copa_del_rey #real_sociedad #athletic_club #la_cartuja