“Outstanding”: Bilbao star hails ex-BVB boss Terzic after masterclass
Former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic is making headlines with Athletic Bilbao. The Basques pulled off an impressive statement win against Atletico Madrid.
After a difficult start, Edin Terzic now seems to have found his footing with Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. The former Borussia Dortmund coach celebrated a surprisingly emphatic 3-0 win with the Basques against Atletico Madrid, securing their second victory in a row.
Terzic’s time in Spain had begun far from ideally. Athletic lost 3-1 to Sevilla in their opener, followed by a 2-0 defeat at Barcelona. After two matchdays, Bilbao were bottom of the table. Terzic publicly took responsibility and at the same time promised a response from his team.
That response first came in the form of a 2-0 away win at Celta Vigo. Athletic then followed it up in impressive fashion against Atletico. After a goalless first half, Terzic made a tactical switch and opted for a back three in defense. Immediately after the restart, Nico Williams gave the hosts the lead. Less than two minutes later, Robert Navarro made it 2-0 before Oihan Sancet sealed the final score shortly before the end.
Williams in particular praised the influence of his new coach afterward. “Our coach is outstanding, and you can see that on the pitch,” said the Spanish international. Terzic has “brought in many new ideas that we are executing perfectly.” The 43-year-old’s halftime team talk is also said to have played a decisive role in the improved performance. “He really got us into the game with a great talk in the dressing room,” Williams explained.
Even Atletico coach Diego Simeone was impressed by the opposition and believes Athletic can achieve a lot this season: “I really like this Bilbao side. Under Terzic, they will definitely be competing for the very top spots.” Terzic himself highlighted above all his team’s mentality after Athletic’s biggest win over Atletico in 13 years. “We showed real courage,” said the former BVB coach.
After the two opening defeats, Bilbao have now taken six points from their last two matches without conceding a goal in either. Against Elche, Levante and Alaves, they will now have further chances to continue their positive run.
