Ernesto Valverde Confirms Athletic Bilbao Departure at Season's End
Ernesto Valverde has officially announced that he will step down as the head coach of Athletic Bilbao when the 2025/26 La Liga campaign concludes. The 62-year-old manager, currently in his third spell at the club, made the decision public through a video message on Friday, citing discussions with the club over time. Athletic Bilbao has faced a challenging season, sitting 10th in the league with ten matches remaining, but Valverde remains a revered figure, just six games shy of reaching 500 in charge.
Manchester United's Interim Manager Search Revisited
Valverde's announcement brings to light his past involvement with Manchester United, where he was shortlisted for the interim manager position in November 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal. At the time, Valverde was without a job after leaving Barcelona in 2020 and was considered alongside candidates such as Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag. Manchester United ultimately appointed Ralf Rangnick on a contract until the end of the 2021/22 season, a move that saw limited success with only 11 wins in 29 games.
Despite not securing the role, Valverde's candidacy highlights Manchester United's broader strategy of exploring diverse options for interim leadership. The club has a history of interim appointments, including Michael Carrick, who is currently on his second short-term spell and is now in contention for the permanent manager position after winning seven of nine games since returning in January.
Valverde's Legacy and Future Prospects
Valverde's tenure at Athletic Bilbao is marked by significant achievements, most notably winning the Copa del Rey in 2024, the club's first major trophy in four decades. His managerial career has primarily spanned Spain, with stints at Villarreal, Espanyol, Valencia, and Barcelona, along with two periods in Greece with Olympiacos. As he prepares to leave Athletic Bilbao, Valverde emphasized the importance of the remaining league matches, urging unity and effort to achieve the team's goals.
Looking ahead, Valverde is unlikely to be considered for the Manchester United job this summer, but his departure from Athletic Bilbao is expected to be met with respect and admiration. His experience and track record continue to make him a notable figure in football management, even as he steps away from his current role.
