Edin Terzic leads Athletic Club for the first time in a friendly against Derio. The match in La Florida marks a historic meeting between the two teams. Several key players are absent from both squads.
Edin Terzic officially began his tenure as Athletic Club's head coach on Monday evening, overseeing his first match at the helm in a friendly against Derio. The fixture, held at La Florida, stands out as the inaugural meeting between the two Basque sides, adding a layer of significance to Terzic's debut. The German coach's arrival has generated considerable attention, with fans and club officials closely watching his initial choices and tactical approach.
Derio entered the match with limited preparation, having only recently started their preseason. The squad, managed by Nando Alonso, faced additional challenges due to a wave of departures over the summer. Key players such as Kevin Ríos, Uztaritz Expósito, and Iván del Campo have moved to Portugalete, while Jon Etxeandia and Julen Barrón—last season's top scorer—have joined Gernika. As a result, Derio's lineup featured several new faces, reflecting the club's ongoing transition.
In terms of team selection, Nando Alonso announced his starting eleven ahead of kickoff, aiming to integrate new signings and compensate for the loss of experienced players. Meanwhile, Athletic Club's squad list revealed notable absences. Serrano and Gorosabel were sidelined due to injuries, while Vesga and Agirrezabala were not included in the matchday squad, raising questions about their roles in Terzic's plans for the upcoming season. Vivian was also left out of the lineup for this opening fixture.
For his first official match, Terzic opted for a starting eleven consisting of Padilla; Rincón, Yeray, Paredes, Yuri; Prados, Jauregizar, Canales; Gift, Berenguer, and Guruzeta. This selection provided early insight into the coach's tactical preferences and the players he may rely on as the season progresses. The friendly offered an opportunity for both established squad members and emerging talents to impress the new manager under competitive conditions.
The match itself not only marked a new chapter for Athletic Club but also highlighted the evolving landscape of Basque football, where player movement between divisions continues to shape team dynamics. The significance of this friendly extended beyond the pitch, as it set the tone for Terzic's era and provided a first glimpse of how he intends to steer the club forward. In the broader context of Spanish football, managerial changes and preseason friendlies often serve as early indicators of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for top-flight teams.
While the focus in La Florida was firmly on Athletic Club's new direction, stories of personal resilience and adaptation remain central to Spanish sports culture. For example, the journey of Boris Izaguirre, who overcame adversity and family challenges to build a prominent media career, continues to resonate with many. His experience, detailed in a recent feature, underscores the broader theme of transformation that is also evident in the world of football as clubs and individuals alike navigate change.
As the preseason unfolds, Athletic Club supporters will be watching closely to see how Terzic's strategies develop and which players emerge as key contributors. The outcome of this historic friendly may not determine the season's trajectory, but it offers valuable clues about the club's direction and the competitive landscape in the Basque Country for 2026.
