Athletic squad honour Valverde with dressing-room tribute on 500th game | OneFootball

Athletic celebrated a hard-fought victory in Vitoria with a dressing-room tribute to Ernesto Valverde on his 500th match in charge. According to El Correo, the coach will leave at the end of the season.

During the game, players repeatedly burst from the bench to celebrate each goal beside the corner flag, a release of long-held tension.

After full time, the squad chanted his name and applauded. Iñaki Williams presented a shirt bearing Valverde’s name, and assistant Jon Aspiazu received a commemorative top marked 500.

Visibly moved, Valverde credited the squad for reaching the milestone, saying he had got there because the players had followed him.

He stressed the bond between coach and players, calling their backing essential to build a solid project and noting that his tenure has rested on that trust.

Source: El Correo