Athletic Lezama open training draws 500 fans as Edin Terzic greets supporters
Athletic Lezama open training saw the club’s new coach Edin Terzic meet around 500 supporters at Lezama in a session limited to socios and club members.
Strong start at Lezama as Terzic runs open session
Edin Terzic led Athletic Club through an open training session at Lezama on Thursday, offering supporters a first extended look at his preparations ahead of the season. The Athletic Lezama open training drew approximately 500 people to Campo 3, where the new coach worked through drills and tactical exercises with the squad. This public session was limited to members and club affiliates rather than being a fully publicable event, reflecting the club’s controlled approach to preseason access.
Terzic’s presence marked a visible change for supporters after a brief appearance the previous day in Portugalete, where he also engaged with fans. On Thursday he again remained after training to sign autographs and pose for photographs, establishing an immediate rapport with the crowd. The coach’s interactions were warmly received and have become a notable feature of his early tenure.
Attendance and access details at Campo 3
The session took place on Campo 3 at the Lezama training complex, the established venue for Athletic’s preseason work and fan events. Attendance was capped, with entry granted to socios and members of the Club Athletic, which limited numbers but ensured a close, enthusiastic audience. Organizers estimated the turnout at roughly 500 spectators, a figure that produced a lively atmosphere without overwhelming the facilities.
Fans arrived early to secure vantage points, and the club managed crowd flow so the session could proceed without disruption. The controlled access also allowed players and staff to move between ejercicios with minimal interruption, a priority for coaching staff focused on tactical preparation. For many supporters, the limited nature of the event made the opportunity to meet players and the coach feel more exclusive.
Player-fan interaction highlights the session
Several players took time to meet supporters after the workout, creating a warm scene as current squad members signed shirts and posed for pictures. Those interactions extended the positive impression left by Terzic, with faces from the first-team squad circulating near the touchline to greet the assembled members. The tone was convivial and offered an early demonstration of the relationship the club is cultivating between squad and supporters.
On-field activity showed a mix of individual work, group drills and light tactical patterns designed to introduce Terzic’s methods without overtaxing players mid-preseason. The balance of physical and technical work suggested a measured approach to conditioning while beginning to install the new coach’s ideas. Supporters who watched the session commented on the intensity and clarity of instruction from the technical staff.
Notable absences from the workout
Several players did not participate in the open session due to fitness issues or treatment needs, with the club confirming that certain injured and lightly-affected squad members remained absent. The list of players who did not train included Gorosabel, Serrano, Vivian Yuri and Maroan, according to club communication. Their absence was managed within the training schedule to allow those players to continue rehabilitation without exposure to the crowd.
Mikel Vesga was also not present, and club sources indicated his situation is different from those sidelined through injury. Vesga is understood to be in the process of leaving the club, with plans pointing toward a move to Mallorca, which explains his absence from the Lezama session. The separation of his status from the purely medical absences was noted by staff speaking with attending members.
Sporting context and preseason objectives
The open training formed part of Athletic’s early preparation for the coming campaign, blending conditioning and tactical familiarization under Terzic’s direction. The coaching team prioritized introducing systems and expectations while keeping workloads sensible at this stage of the preseason. Sessions of this nature are common in early training blocks, offering supporters a chance to observe progress while allowing the staff to gauge fitness levels and group cohesion.
Terzic’s visible engagement with the squad and fans signals a focus on communication as much as on technical planning, an approach that can help accelerate buy-in during a period of transition. Staff members were observed taking notes and using video tools to record portions of the session, indicating an analytical layer behind the visible drills. The mix of on-field instruction and off-field preparation suggests a structured progression toward competitive readiness.
Club messaging and supporters’ reaction
Athletic’s decision to open a limited session to socios and club members reflects a desire to balance transparency with operational control. Club officials emphasized that the format was not a full public open day but a managed opportunity intended for loyal members. Fans in attendance appeared appreciative of the access, many highlighting the chance to meet the new coach and to see tactical work up close.
Supporters commented favorably on Terzic’s willingness to sign autographs and pose for photographs, interpreting the gestures as a sign of respect and connection. The atmosphere after training was upbeat, with conversations focused on how the team looked physically and the coach’s visible rapport with players. For a club with a passionate membership base, these early gestures matter as much as the drills executed on the pitch.
Athletic Lezama open training provided a measured, supportive environment that allowed Edin Terzic to introduce his methods while building early goodwill among members and fans. The session combined practical preseason work with deliberate fan engagement, and while a handful of players were missing due to injury or transfer developments, the overall tone was constructive and forward-looking.
