Edin Terzic leads Athletic Bilbao through first training at Lezama
Edin Terzic oversaw his first training session with Athletic Bilbao, working with 29 available players as staff outlined the new season project and assessed fitness at Lezama.
Edin Terzic conducted the inaugural session of his tenure with Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, taking charge of the squad for a first-day training meant to set the tone for preseason preparations. The session followed two days of comprehensive medical and physical testing completed by the players, allowing the new coaching team to begin work with clear baseline data. Terzic used the opening practice to introduce his methods and to observe individual fitness levels under the supervision of his technical staff. The presence of key club figures reinforced the sense of a fresh start at Lezama.
Terzic conducts inaugural session at Lezama
The coaching staff opened the day with a group meeting in which Terzic and his assistants presented the season’s broad objectives and outlined the practical steps for the coming weeks. That briefing was followed by on-field work in warm conditions, with an emphasis on transition drills and physical conditioning rather than detailed tactical patterns. The structure of the session suggested a phased approach: establishing fitness and cohesion before introducing more complex tactical systems. Players responded with focus, giving the new coach a first opportunity to gauge temperament and work rate.
The session served as a practical introduction to Terzic’s communication style and training priorities, blending high-intensity sequences with technical repetition. Staff rotated players through small-sided activities designed to create competitive situations while maintaining control of load. This opening day will provide the coaching team with early indicators of which individuals may require tailored programs. The controlled environment at Lezama allowed staff to monitor workloads and recovery closely.
Full group: 29 players take part
Athletic registered 29 available players for Wednesday’s session, with the majority of the squad engaging in the full training program. That figure reflects the completion of Monday and Tuesday’s medical and physical tests, which cleared most members of the first-team group to begin work. The number present allowed Terzic to run varied exercises across multiple training grids, ensuring meaningful repetitions for both starters and squad players. The depth in attendance also gives the coaching staff an initial read on rotation options for early preseason fixtures.
Despite the strong turnout, staff maintained careful control over exertion levels to avoid injury at this early stage. Substitutions within drills were frequent, and the physical coaching staff adjusted work-to-rest ratios in real time. The combination of testing data and on-field observation will feed into individualized conditioning plans for each player. That tailored approach is likely to be important through July as the squad builds toward competitive matches.
Gorosabel remains sidelined after medical diagnosis
Mikel Balenziaga’s teammate, Álex Gorosabel, remained on the sidelines after learning earlier in the week that he was carrying an injury. The defender did not participate in Wednesday’s session and continued with a separate rehabilitation regimen under the supervision of the medical team. Club staff have been cautious with his reintegration, prioritizing a measured recovery timeline over a rushed return to group training. The early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring aim to reduce the risk of setback during the buildup to the season.
Medical staff used the opening days of the week to update individual recovery protocols and to communicate anticipated milestones for players like Gorosabel. That level of transparency between medical, coaching and sporting departments is intended to align expectations and minimize surprises during preseason. The club will likely provide formal updates as rehabilitation progresses and when scans or tests indicate an improved status. For now, Gorosabel’s absence clarifies the need for defensive cover during early sessions.
Iñaki Williams meets new coach then begins holiday
Iñaki Williams made a brief appearance at Lezama earlier in the week to meet Edin Terzic and the newly assembled coaching team before departing for his summer break. His short visit allowed a first-person introduction and an exchange on preseason plans, though Williams did not remain for Wednesday’s training activity. The club’s schedule accommodates international and personal breaks at this point in the calendar, with key players expected to rejoin the group before the bulk of preseason fixtures commence. Williams’ early contact with the new coach signals mutual intent to align on responsibilities and objectives.
The early meeting serves both practical and symbolic functions: it gives the player clarity on expectations and gives the coach a direct impression of squad leaders. Williams is likely to be central to Terzic’s attacking plans, and that initial dialogue will inform follow-up communications during the summer. Athletic’s approach to reintegration typically balances player rest with structured individual programs to maintain fitness during holidays. The club will confirm return-to-training dates as preparations intensify.
Technical staff set season framework and roles
Before players stepped onto the grass, Terzic’s technical staff delivered a presentation detailing the practical framework for preseason and the immediate tactical priorities. That session outlined the phased progression from conditioning to structured tactical work and assigned responsibilities to key staff members for specific performance areas. David Casamichana, the fitness coach, was highlighted as a central figure in delivering the conditioning program that will underpin Terzic’s on-field demands. His role will be crucial in managing load, shaping recovery protocols and coordinating with medical personnel.
The team also identified communication channels and the role of support staff in day-to-day operations at Lezama. Translational assistance provided by Álex Albistegui was signaled as important for ensuring clear exchanges between players and a predominantly German-speaking coaching group. That logistical support is intended to speed up the assimilation of concepts and to prevent misunderstandings during drills and briefings. The technical staff’s initial blueprint emphasized clarity, measurable milestones and a responsive approach to player feedback.
Sporting director Mikel González attends opening day
Mikel González, Athletic’s sporting director, attended the training to show institutional support for the new coaching project and to observe early developments firsthand. His presence underlined the club’s commitment to a coordinated approach between the boardroom and the training ground as preparations begin. González used the visit to review the staff-player dynamic and to assess operational arrangements for preseason planning. The sporting director’s early engagement reflects the club’s priority of aligning transfer, medical and sporting timelines with the coach’s methodology.
González’s visit also allowed immediate discussions about squad management and potential strategic priorities for the transfer window. While recruitment will continue throughout the summer, the sporting director’s early attendance signals active oversight of how preseason unfolds. That kind of involvement helps to ensure that the technical staff have the resources and operational clarity needed to execute their program. It also provides an additional level of accountability as the club prepares for competitive demands.
Preseason outlook and immediate priorities
Athletic’s immediate focus following the opening session will be to raise collective fitness while progressively introducing structural and tactical elements. The initial weeks are likely to be dominated by conditioning, set-piece preparation and small-sided formats that build cohesion. The coaching staff will monitor individual workloads, refine recovery protocols and begin to integrate tactical motifs that will shape the team’s style of play. Preseason friendlies and internal scrimmages will provide the first competitive tests and will guide selection decisions ahead of the competitive calendar.
Beyond on-field work, the club must balance logistics such as travel, scheduling and medical reporting to ensure a coherent preseason. Preparation remains a multidisciplinary task, involving performance analysts, nutritionists and physiotherapists collaborating with the coaching team. Early indicators from testing and the first sessions will determine whether further adjustments to the plan are needed. The objective is to arrive at the start of competitive fixtures with a clear identity, high fitness levels and the tactical understanding required by Terzic’s staff.
Athletic’s first day under Edin Terzic at Lezama set a disciplined, methodical tone intended to build a foundation for the season ahead, combining targeted fitness work and an early tactical outline while managing individual recovery and player relations.
