Terzic Begins Work at Athletic: German Coach Starts at Lezama Ahead of San Mamés Presentation
Athletic Club’s new head coach Terzic begins work at Lezama this week, meeting players and staff ahead of a formal presentation at San Mamés; medical checks start Monday.
A decisive day for Athletic Club arrives as Terzic, the 43-year-old coach, officially begins his tenure at the club’s Lezama training complex. The head coach will oversee scheduled medicals and physiological testing for players on Monday and Tuesday before leading his first on-field session on Wednesday. The club has confirmed a presentation at San Mamés on Tuesday where Terzic will be formally introduced to supporters and the media. Terzic’s arrival marks the next chapter after Ernesto Valverde’s long-standing tenure as the club’s record-holder for matches in charge.
Start of Work at Lezama
Terzic is due to spend his opening days at Lezama familiarizing himself with Athletic’s players and facilities. Club sources say players are gathered for medical examinations and fitness assessments on Monday and Tuesday, a routine which will allow Terzic to review the squad’s condition before debuting on the training pitch.
The schedule reflects a rapid onboarding plan that balances administrative formalities with early sporting work. By placing medicals first, the coaching staff aims to establish a baseline for conditioning and to identify players who may require tailored programs during pre-season.
Presentation at San Mamés
The club has scheduled Terzic’s public presentation for Tuesday at San Mamés, an event that will introduce him to season-ticket holders and the broader fanbase. The presentation is expected to outline the coach’s short-term priorities and give supporters an early indication of how he envisions the team’s style and competitive aims.
San Mamés will provide a platform for club leadership to frame the appointment and for Terzic to set expectations without committing to squad moves or tactical blueprints at this early stage. The timing underscores Athletic’s intent to move quickly toward the new campaign while honoring tradition and supporter engagement.
Technical Staff Confirmations
Athletic has announced several initial additions to Terzic’s technical staff but is keeping the full coaching group under wraps. So far, Sebastian Geppert and Peter Gaydarov have been confirmed as part of the new coach’s backroom team, bringing continuity and specific expertise to the project.
Geppert is a familiar figure from Terzic’s previous collaborations and has accompanied him in professional development visits and exchanges with other coaching setups. Gaydarov arrives after work in youth systems at a top European club, where he coached at the Youth League level, signaling a focus on integrating modern youth development practices into the first-team environment.
De Marcos Transition to Coaching
Long-serving club figure De Marcos will join the coaching structure, beginning a new phase after his recent retirement as a player. His promotion into the technical area provides a direct bridge between Athletic’s playing culture and coaching approach, leveraging institutional knowledge and deep familiarity with the club’s values.
De Marcos’s involvement is likely to resonate strongly with supporters, who view him as an embodiment of Athletic’s identity. His presence on the staff may also help smooth communication between players and the new head coach as the squad adjusts to different training methods and competitive demands.
Performance and Conditioning Appointments
Athletic has also hired David Casamichana as part of the performance and physical preparation department. Casamichana brings credentials in conditioning and is expected to work closely with Terzic to devise individualized fitness plans and collective periodization for the season ahead.
The appointment signals an emphasis on data-driven physical preparation and recovery management, areas that modern clubs prioritize to maintain competitive intensity across multiple competitions. Integrating a specialist into the performance unit indicates Athletic wants to align conditioning standards with the coach’s tactical demands.
Context and Club Transition from Valverde
Terzic steps into the role following the departure of Ernesto Valverde, who leaves Athletic as the coach with the most matches in the club’s history. The transition represents both continuity and change: continuity in the club’s desire to compete at the highest domestic level, and change in leadership style and tactical direction under the new coach.
Club executives framed the appointment as part of a strategic plan agreed months earlier with president Uriarte, reflecting long-term planning rather than an emergency replacement. That context helps manage expectations but also places pressure on Terzic to translate the club’s ambitions into on-field results.
Immediate Priorities and Early Challenges
In the coming days Terzic faces a short, clear list of priorities: complete the initial medical evaluations, assess player fitness and availability, and begin installing basic tactical principles during early sessions. Managing the transition from Valverde’s methods to his own will be crucial in pre-season, when conditioning and cohesion are established.
The coach will also need to finalize his full technical staff, integrate De Marcos into coaching routines, and coordinate with the performance team to mitigate injury risk. With competitions approaching, early decisions about squad roles and preseason programming will set the tone for the campaign.
Terzic begins his Athletic tenure with a swift, pragmatic schedule that blends medical checks, staff confirmations, and an early fan-facing presentation, tasking him with immediate assessment and integration of the squad.
