Athletic Club's 2025-26 La Liga campaign is drawing to a close under a cloud of disappointment. With one match remaining, the Basque side sits 12th in the table, far from the European places that were the minimum expectation at the start of the season. The dream of consecutive continental qualifications has evaporated, leaving the team to reflect on a campaign marred by inconsistency and defensive fragility.
The final stretch has been particularly damning. Over the last five matches, Athletic managed just one victory, dropping points against sides they were expected to beat. The inability to keep clean sheets has been a recurring theme—shutting out opponents has become a rare feat, with the team conceding in almost every outing. This collapse not only cost them a shot at the Conference League but also damages their share of La Liga's economic bonus distribution.
Captain Iñaki Williams did not mince words when addressing the campaign's failure. In a press conference, he stated plainly that the season had been poor, with underperformance from multiple players, including himself. He highlighted costly errors in their own half that derailed momentum, pointing to a lack of concentration and composure that undermined any progress.
The struggles cannot be attributed to a single factor. Competing in the Champions League stretched the squad's resources, and the dual demands exposed a lack of depth. Fatigue and injuries disrupted rhythm, but the core issue was a collective drop in performance levels. Key players failed to hit their heights, and the defensive unit, once a strength, became a liability.
The end of the season also signals the conclusion of Ernesto Valverde's tenure as head coach. Valverde, a figure synonymous with Athletic's modern identity, leaves after a storied spell that brought stability and, at times, exhilarating football. Williams expressed deep gratitude for the coach's care and support over many years, emphasizing how Valverde protected and helped players progress. The coach's exit marks the end of an era, and filling his void will be a monumental task.
Joining Valverde in departure is Iñigo Lekue, a versatile servant whose career embodied commitment and loyalty. Lekue, who can play across the defense, was denied a farewell appearance at San Mamés as Valverde opted for an attacking substitution in the final home game. However, there is a strong possibility he will feature in the season finale at the Santiago Bernabéu, potentially wearing the captain's armband as a fitting tribute to his years of service.
Looking to the future, Athletic have moved swiftly to appoint Edin Terzic as the new head coach. Terzic, known for his tactical acumen and success at Borussia Dortmund, represents a fresh direction. His appointment signals ambition, as he inherits a squad in need of a mental and strategic reset. The German coach will be tasked with reigniting a team that has lost its way, addressing the defensive frailties, and restoring the competitive edge that saw Athletic contend for European spots in previous seasons.
The immediate task is the trip to face Real Madrid. While the match holds no consequence for Athletic's league position, it carries symbolic weight—a final opportunity to show pride and set a tone for the rebuild. For Lekue, it could be the last time he pulls on the red-and-white shirt, and the club will hope to send him off on a positive note against tough opposition.
The financial implications of the poor league finish cannot be overlooked. A 12th-place standing means a reduced share of television revenue, which could impact summer transfer business. With Terzic at the helm, the hierarchy must provide the new coach with the tools to reshape the squad within the club's unique filosofía, relying on youth development and Basque talent.
As the players prepare for a brief break before returning to Lezama, the sense of a reset is palpable. Williams' words echo the sentiment that it is time to start fresh. The entire club must align behind Terzic's vision, learn from this season's mistakes, and ensure that the campaign is remembered as a turning point rather than a permanent decline.
The 2026-27 season will begin with fresh expectations, but the scars of this term must heal quickly. Athletic's identity—rooted in resilience and local pride—will be tested. How Terzic adapts to the club's philosophy and integrates new ideas will determine whether the Lions roar again.
Based on reporting from Marca.
