Despite a season well below expectations, Athletic Bilbao’s players are still in love with Ernesto Valverde.
Athletic sit a disappointing 12th in LaLiga while their much anticipated return to the Champions League was a huge let down.
Valverde’s side exited the competition at the league phase with two wins and four defeats, which came either side of a Supercopa semi-final exit.
Yet despite all the disappointment, Athletic remain in the Copa del Rey, a competition they famously won in 2024 under his guidance.
They did so by beating Valencia in the last 16, 2-1, through a stoppage time winner from captain Inaki Williams.
The striker ran to Valverde to celebrate the goal and embraced him in emotional scenes.
Explaining the tribute post-match, Williams said: “In the world of football, he’s always the one whose head is being demanded.
“Ernesto is very important to Athletic Club. The dressing room is 100% behind the coach, and we can’t imagine any other manager.
“He deserves all our respect, and if he asks us to give him a high five, we’ll see it. Let’s see if that takes away his bad mood.
“We deserved a moment of joy like this, the players, the fans, and the coaching staff.
“This season has been difficult, but today could be a major turning point.”
Leave a Reply