Valverde's time at Athletic Club has come to an emotional end. In what he described as his "last appearance at San Mamés," the veteran coach confirmed he will step away from the dugout and take a break from football, closing a decade-long chapter with the Basque giants. His final press conference after the 2-1 win over Celta Vigo was laden with gratitude, reflection, and a hint of unfinished business.
The 61-year-old has been a defining figure at Athletic, overseeing 253 matches across two spells. He first took charge in 2003, leading the club to UEFA Cup qualification before departing in 2005. His return in 2013 brought a period of stability, including a run to the 2015 UEFA Europa League quarter-finals and a memorable 2020 Copa del Rey final – albeit played behind closed doors in 2021 due to the pandemic, where Athletic lost to Real Sociedad. This season, however, proved more challenging, with Athletic finishing 8th and missing out on European football.
Addressing the media, Valverde did not hide his emotions. "Everything I've experienced has been moving. From that privileged position I've had, I've lived incredible things," he said, thanking the club for its tribute and the fans for their enduring respect and affection. The coach's bond with San Mamés was palpable, as he acknowledged the rarity of such a journey in modern football.
The match itself served as a microcosm of Athletic's campaign: a slow start, a moment of adversity, and a spirited comeback. After conceding an early goal, Valverde rallied his players at half-time, insisting they would turn the game around. "We risked it, and I thought in any of those moves we would score," he explained, highlighting the team's resilience but also the fine margins that defined their season.
One poignant moment was his decision not to substitute veteran defender Lekue, whom he had intended to bring on as a farewell gesture. With the score at 0-1, tactical necessity prevailed over sentiment. "It gives me pain not to have brought him on," Valverde admitted, citing the need for an attacking change to chase an equalizer. It was a stark reminder of the difficult balance between emotion and pragmatism in a results-driven industry.
Looking ahead, Valverde addressed speculation around left-back Yuri Berchiche, labeling him a "fantastic player" but leaving his future uncertain. "That position is very well covered," he noted, implying that the club may already have succession plans. The coach expressed confidence in the squad's core, describing a dressing room with "more game" than previous years, but stressed the need to recover injured players and rekindle enthusiasm.
Valverde's immediate future is clear: he will not coach next season. "For now, I want to breathe a little. After that, we'll see," he said, suggesting a sabbatical rather than immediate retirement. This period of reflection could open doors, but for Athletic, the search for a successor begins now.
The departure leaves a significant void. Valverde embodied Athletic's unique philosophy of fielding only Basque-born or trained players, a policy that demands deep knowledge of the region's talent pool. His successor will inherit a squad with potential—Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, and the evergreen Iñaki Williams—but also one that has lost its way in recent months.
Valverde's legacy extends beyond tactics. He was a custodian of Athletic's identity, a calm presence in the volatile world of La Liga. While European success eluded him, his tenure reinforced the club's place in Spain's top flight and its commitment to local roots. The challenge now is to translate that stability into a platform for future growth.
The end of an era rarely comes with a neat, triumphant arc. Valverde's goodbye was honest, tinged with sadness but also pride. As Athletic turn the page, the echoes of his decade-long contribution will linger at San Mamés. The club's next chapter must build on the foundation he helped fortify. Based on reporting from Marca.