COLUMN: Ernesto Valverde, an Athletic Club manager like no other – Gracias, Mister

Ernesto Valverde's four-year leadership at Athletic Club is concluding. He announced his departure last month, hinting he was not President Jon Uriarte's preferred candidate to continue into his second mandate. Currently in 11th place, Athletic Club's dip in performance, though disappointing, was somewhat expected after Valverde's previous achievement of guiding them back to the Champions League.

This season has proven particularly challenging, marked by significant injuries to key players like star winger Nico Williams, centre-back Aymeric Laporte, and playmaker Oihan Sancet. Consequently, Valverde’s 'Leones' appeared uncharacteristically uninspired and lacking their usual vigour. His previous successful stint was defined by remarkable intensity and sustained physical performance that few opponents could match – qualities largely absent this season, a blend of mounting injuries and collective mental exhaustion.

Valverde’s tenure will be fondly remembered for bringing the Copa del Rey trophy back to San Mamés and elevating Athletic Club to a commendable fourth-place finish in La Liga. However, not every season can witness the breakthrough of young talents like Mikel Jauregizar or the consistent impact of the Williams brothers on the flanks. The team, once renowned for outworking most opponents, has struggled to maintain that hallmark intensity. Sustaining motivation within a largely unchanged squad over four years, especially following significant triumphs like the Copa del Rey victory and a top-four league finish, is inherently difficult.

Affectionately known as 'El Txingurri,' Valverde is a pragmatic and calculated individual. Aware that forthcoming elections could jeopardise his position after four years, he made the considered decision to step aside. His departure transcends that of a mere coach; he exits as a historical figure who unified Athletic Club perhaps more than any other manager. His decision to decline President Uriarte's request to continue signals the definitive end of an era, solidifying his reputation as reliability personified, both personally and professionally.

Despite the challenges, the season is far from over; Athletic Club remains just three points shy of securing a European spot, a fact Valverde underscored in his press conference following his departure announcement. Beyond his impressive resume, he earned widespread admiration for his unwavering commitment to Athletic's homegrown tradition, acknowledging its inherent limitations, particularly the persistent struggle to find a top-level striker. This recurring issue has often explained the team's shortcomings, frequently pressing high but failing to convert scoring chances.

The club's future direction remains uncertain. Media speculation quickly identified former Athletic player Andoni Iraola as a natural successor, a possibility he has, thus far, denied. Iraola’s intense coaching philosophy, honed at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, has certainly earned the respect of the Basque fanbase. However, luring a coach accustomed to Premier League transfer budgets might prove challenging. Alternatively, Iraola's former assistant, now managing Rayo Vallecano with notably similar tactical ideas, presents another viable option.

Valverde firmly cemented Athletic Club’s standing in Spanish football as a consistent contender for European qualification, frequently posing a significant challenge to powerhouse teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid. While 'Los Leones' have always been a prime example of Spanish clubs successfully nurturing academy graduates over expensive transfers, Valverde further enriched this philosophy by adding tangible silverware.

Both Valverde and the club recognized that attempting to 'sail the Gabarra' (a symbolic celebration of major trophies) together again would have been an erroneous decision. Athletic could always trust Valverde to make choices that were genuinely in the club's best interest, a hallmark of his unique character. His third tenure ultimately surpassed his second, a period where he ended a 31-year trophy drought by guiding the team to a Supercopa victory in 2015.

Maintaining his characteristic professionalism, Valverde abstained from commenting on the club's future direction. His influence is widely acknowledged; Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola hailed him as his 'number one reference of football,' and numerous first-team players regard him as the finest coach they have worked under. Replacing Valverde will entail more than mere tactical adjustments in the dressing room; it demands a visionary leader with the acumen to guide an institution as unique as Athletic Club, embodying the spirit and innovation born in Bilbao's own dockyards.

Gracias, Míster.