Daijiworld Media Network - Bilbao

Bilbao, May 23: Athletic Bilbao on Friday confirmed that head coach Ernesto Valverde has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until June 2026. The decision means the veteran tactician is set to complete a decade in charge of the Basque side over three separate stints.

Valverde, 61, agreed to extend his stay after guiding Athletic to a fourth-place finish in La Liga this season, securing a coveted Champions League spot. The club also reached the Europa League semifinals under his leadership. Last season, he steered Athletic to fifth place and ended a 40-year drought by lifting the Copa del Rey.

Speaking to the club’s website, Valverde said, “It is an important challenge. I feel responsible here, with the team and the people I work with. We all work together to make a strong team, and we will see how far we can go. We will continue to compete, which is something Athletic has always done.”

Looking ahead to the Champions League, he added, “It's a great excitement and a really tough competition, which I hope we can all enjoy.”

Valverde, a former forward for the club, has now coached Athletic in a record 451 matches. Known for his preference for short-term contracts, he returned to San Mames for his third spell in 2022.

Athletic sealed their Champions League spot with a 2-0 win away at Getafe, courtesy of second-half goals from Gorka Guruzeta and Dani Vivian. The win ensured a top-four finish, keeping them three points ahead of Villarreal.

Valverde’s coaching resume includes stints at Espanyol, Olympiacos, Villarreal, Valencia and FC Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles. His enduring bond with Athletic Bilbao, however, remains unmatched, both as a player and manager.