Coach Ernesto Valverde to leave Athletic Club
Ernesto Valverde has confirmed he will leave his role as Athletic Club head coach at the end of the season.
The 62-year-old has called time on his third spell after four years with the Basque club, where he has spent a total of 10 years.
Valverde wrote his name into the club's history books as he led Athletic to its first Copa del Rey title in 40 years, when it beat Mallorca on penalties in the 2023-2024 final.
He also won the Supercopa de Espana with Athletic in 2015, and has taken charge of 485 matches in total, with 370 of those coming in LaLiga.
"I'm here today to announce that I won't be Athletic’s head coach next season," Valverde announced via the club's media channels.
"This is a decision I've been mulling over for some time now, one I've discussed with the club.
"At the same time, I'd like to emphasise that we have 10 important league matches left, in which we have a lot to play for."
Athletic is currently 10th in LaLiga, six points off the European places after losing its past two matches in the competition.
It fell at the semi-final stage in the Copa del Rey this season to Basque rival Real Sociedad, while it finished 29th in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.
