Athletic face a tricky post-Valverde era as Terzic steps in | OneFootball

Athletic enter a delicate post-Valverde phase, with Terzic tasked with lifting spirits after a disappointing campaign. The departing club icon delivered seven European qualifications across 10 years and three spells, leaving 504 games, 230 wins, 114 draws and 160 defeats.

As reported by as.com, 2005 ushered in a bleak biennium. Mendilibar replaced him but lasted 10 matches. Clemente then returned to steady the ship, yet by matchday 35 they were three points from the drop.

Athletic won their final three fixtures, against Zaragoza, Deportivo and Barcelona, easing the tension at San Mamés.

The following season proved tougher. Sarriugarte had a brief spell, then Mané arrived as a firefighter. Survival was secured in a dramatic La Catedral meeting with Levante on 17 June 2007, via a Serrano own goal and a Gabilondo strike.

Later, Caparrós and Bielsa led a golden spell, although Bielsa’s last season was poor. President Urrutia turned again to Txingurri, bringing memorable years.

Another cycle closed in 2017 when Ernesto left for Barcelona and Ziganda was appointed. Athletic finished 16th with 43 points, the second-worst season in their history. The challenge now is to break that pattern under Terzic.

Source: as.com