Valverde: "I'm leaving on good terms and feeling happy"

An emotional Ernesto Valverde admitted that he is leaving Athletic Club on "good terms" and "grateful" for the experiences he's had in Bilbao as both a player and head coach.

Visibly moved throughout, Ernesto expressed his gratitude for everything that took place during the match against RC Celta at San Mames, the last game of his coaching career at The Cathedral.

"It was all very emotional. From start to finish," Valverde said at his press conference. "It was a shame we didn’t score a goal that would have given us some hope for this week. The team certainly deserved to win

"I’m leaving on good terms and feeling happy. It’s emotional for me. It’s difficult, but it’s nice to say goodbye like this. I’ve always liked it when key players are given a proper send-off, and this year it’s my turn. Everyone has shown me such kindness, and I’m truly grateful for it." 

With no qualification spots left to fight for on this final matchday, the gaffer said he wanted to end this difficult season on the best note possible.

He said: "It’s my last match, and the team’s last of the season too. We want to finish on a high, even though we know how tough it is to play at the Bernabéu.

"We’re focused on these 90 minutes. After that, there’s the World Cup and holidays, but the important thing for us is to focus on the match and try to put in a good performance. It’s tough, but we have to give it a go."

Whilst one season comes to an end, a new one is set to begin in no time, and with a new face on a bench. Edin Terzić will take the reins of the team soon and Ernesto Valverde wished him the very best of luck in his new role.

“We’re hoping for the best for Terzic," Ernesto said.

"I’ll just be a fan now and all we want is for him to do well. The most important thing for everyone is for Athletic to be as high up the table as possible and for him to be able to get his ideas across effectively. I wish him all the best."

 

A true Zurigorri spirit

With his extensive experience in the world of football, Valverde acknowledged just how special it is to manage a club like Athletic and what it has meant to him.

“The day they signed me, they did me a huge favour." he added.

"This is the place where I’ve been able to get most involved. It’s here that I’ve really found myself and grown in a different way.

"I’ve always felt the support of everyone who’s worked behind the scenes here, and that’s incredible to me. It’s the same in every team, but it feels more intense here. At Athletic, we’re a close-knit group, and that’s just the way it is.’"

The gaffer admitted that he'll always remember the 2023/24 Copa final, saying that it's his favourite memory from his time as Athletic Club's head coach.

"There have been moments, comebacks, matches where we’ve had it all on the line... Certain occasions at San Mamés... But nothing compares to winning a first Copa in40 years. Because of what it meant to everyone, that’s the moment I’ll remember."