Athletic Bilbao Restructures Coaching Staff Across Senior Teams

Athletic Bilbao FC is embarking on a new chapter with substantial changes in its coaching hierarchy across its top three teams. The club has confirmed new managers for the senior men’s team, the reserve side Bilbao Athletic, and the women’s team, as pre-season activities commence at the Lezama training facilities.

New Era for the First Team

The senior men’s team sees the arrival of German coach Gaizka Garitano, who takes the helm following the departure of Ernesto Valverde. Valverde’s tenure, which spanned four years under the current presidency of Jon Uriarte, concluded after the final match of the season against Real Madrid. Despite achieving European qualification and a Copa del Rey title during his time, the accumulated wear and tear of the demanding schedule led to the end of his cycle. Garitano steps into the role with the stated aim of bringing renewed enthusiasm, mirroring the optimism of President Uriarte.

Bilbao Athletic Under New Leadership

The reserve team, Bilbao Athletic, also welcomes a new manager in Bittor Llopis. This promotion represents an internal success story for Llopis, who has steadily climbed through the club’s coaching ranks. He began with the U19 team in the División de Honor, moved to Basconia, and has now earned his position with the senior reserve squad after a successful period. Llopis’s appointment follows a period of flux for the Bilbao Athletic bench since Jon Uriarte’s presidency, which saw previous managers such as Bingen Arostegi and Álex Pallarés. The team has recently seen success under Gurpegi and Ander Murillo, and later Jokin Aranbarri, who maintained the team’s status in Segunda RFEF for two seasons before the club decided to move in a new direction with Llopis.

Women’s Team Welcomes Experienced Coach

The Athletic Club women’s team will be managed by Víctor Martín. This appointment comes after a less successful season under Javi Lerga, who has opted not to continue with the club. Martín brings prior experience from coaching Atlético de Madrid’s women’s team. During President Uriarte’s tenure, the women’s team has previously been led by Iraia Iturregi and David Aznar. Aznar’s departure two summers ago was noted as particularly surprising, given the team’s strong finish to the season with an attractive style of play, securing a fourth-place league finish.

Key facts

The restructuring of the coaching staff across these three key teams signifies a strategic move by Athletic Bilbao FC to refresh its sporting direction. For fans of the club and followers of Spanish football, these changes signal a period of adaptation and potential evolution in playing styles and team performance as the new managers integrate with their squads ahead of the upcoming season. The focus will be on how this new leadership navigates the challenges and opportunities within their respective leagues.

Source: Mundo Deportivo Futbol – https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/athletic-bilbao/20260711/1004205213/cambio-triple-corona-tecnicos-athletic.html