Athletic Bilbao: Terzic appointed coach, Flick had already beaten him and pushed him to sign
The new Athletic Club coach, Edin Terzic, has already crossed paths with Hansi Flick last March. According to Marca, the German coach not only lost that duel, but Flick also encouraged him to take on the Basque challenge.
Edin Terzic is officially the new coach of Athletic Club, and his arrival in Bilbao does not go unnoticed. According to information from Marca, the German coach has a particular history with Hansi Flick, the current coach of FC Barcelona. The two men faced each other only once, last March, and it was Flick who came out on top. But the most striking anecdote lies elsewhere: Flick himself encouraged Terzic to accept the position at Athletic, a sign of respect between two coaches who know each other well.
This recommendation, reported by Marca, is all the more significant as it comes in a context where Terzic was coveted by several European clubs. After his notable stint at Borussia Dortmund, where he reached the final of the Champions League in 2024, the German coach's stock had soared. Rumors had sent him to the Premier League, Serie A, and also to other La Liga clubs. Yet it was toward Bilbao that his heart leaned, and Flick's role in this choice deserves to be highlighted.
A previous head-to-head and decisive encouragement
On March 30, 2026, Edin Terzic, then at the helm of a European club, visited Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona. This match, lost by Terzic's team, did not however tarnish the relationship between the two men. According to Marca, Flick took the time, after the match, to have a long exchange with Terzic. He notably insisted on the interest of joining a historic club like Athletic, highlighting the passion of the supporters and the stability of the Basque project.
These encouragements visibly weighed on Terzic's reflection. The former Borussia Dortmund coach, who had already been approached by other clubs, finally chose Bilbao. The German coach signed a multi-season contract, although sources close to the matter specify that the duration has not been officially communicated. According to Marca, this recommendation from Flick was a trigger for Terzic, who saw in Athletic a challenge worthy of his ambitions.
Edin Terzic is not unknown to European football observers. After leading Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final in 2024, he confirmed his status as a promising coach. His direct style of play, his ability to launch young players, and his man-management make him an appreciated profile. At Athletic, he will have to deal with the club's strict policy based on players trained in the Basque Country, a challenge that Terzic approaches with determination.
The new coach has already settled in Bilbao. He attended several preparation matches and met with the directors, including president Jon Uriarte. According to Marca, Terzic was won over by the club's ambition, which aims for a Champions League place in the coming seasons. He was also impressed by the quality of the training center, Lezama, which matches his philosophy of developing young talent.
This fit between Terzic's profile and Athletic's values is a crucial point. The Basque club, known for its recruitment policy exclusively based on players trained in the Basque Country, is looking for a coach capable of getting the best out of its young prospects. Terzic, who proved himself by launching talents like Jude Bellingham or Karim Adeyemi at Dortmund, seems to be the right man for the job. His arrival could also have an impact on the academy, with a possible overhaul of training methods at Lezama.
Behind the scenes of the appointment: Flick's key role
The story between Terzic and Flick is not limited to a simple match. According to Marca, it was during this head-to-head in March that Flick played an advisory role. The Barcelona coach not only praised the merits of Athletic, but also Terzic's qualities, presenting him as the ideal man for the job. These exchanges took place in private, but sources close to the matter confirm that Flick was a true promoter of Terzic's candidacy.
This dynamic could also explain the good relations between the two clubs. FC Barcelona and Athletic have often exchanged players, and this connection between coaches could facilitate future negotiations. For now, Athletic is focusing on its new era with Terzic, while Flick continues his work at Barcelona. The two coaches may meet again on the bench in La Liga, with a first duel scheduled for the 2026-2027 season.
This link between the two men could also have implications for the transfer market. Athletic, which has often recruited players from the Basque region, could benefit from Flick's expertise to identify talents in Germany or elsewhere. Moreover, this privileged relationship could facilitate loans or transfers between the two clubs, although nothing is confirmed at this stage.
A new impetus for Athletic, with an eye on the transfer market
Terzic's arrival comes with initial rumors on the transfer market. According to Marca, the new coach has already identified several targets, notably in his former league, the Bundesliga. He wants to strengthen the midfield and attack, two areas deemed priorities. The Basque directors, traditionally cautious, might however wait until the end of the transfer window to act, depending on potential departures.
Terzic will also have to manage the pressure of a club that has not won a major title since the 2024 Copa del Rey. The supporters expect attacking play and quick results. The German coach, accustomed to the demands of the highest level, seems ready. He has already stated, during his presentation, that his goal was to "make Athletic competitive in all competitions." A statement that shows his ambition, but which will need to be confirmed on the pitch.
The next milestone for Terzic will be the resumption of La Liga, where Athletic will start against a still unknown opponent. In the meantime, supporters will closely follow the club's movements on the football transfer market. With a new coach and potential reinforcements, Athletic hopes to return to the heights of Spanish football.
This arrival marks a turning point in the club's strategy. After years of stability with local coaches, Athletic has chosen an international profile, strong from his experience in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. This bold choice could be the catalyst for a new dynamic, both sportingly and media-wise. The Basque club, often considered a bastion of identity football, seems ready to open up to new influences, while preserving its Basque DNA.
Finally, it is interesting to note that this appointment comes in a context of renewal for many Spanish clubs. While FC Barcelona and Real Madrid traditionally dominate La Liga, Athletic seeks to establish itself as a serious contender. With Terzic, the club has the means of its ambitions, and supporters can dream of better days.
