BILBAO, July 15 (Reuters) – Athletic Bilbao coach Edin Terzic left goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, defender Unai Vivian, and midfielder Mikel Vesga out of the squad entirely for Monday’s preseason friendly against CD Derio. The decision, reported by AS and confirmed by Onda Vasca’s broadcast, immediately sparked debate about the manager’s authority and the future of three first-team regulars.
The match, a routine warm-up at Derio’s municipal ground, was framed by Onda Vasca’s “Movida Deportiva” as the start of Athletic’s preseason. But the omission of these three players was the only story. Terzic is asserting control. President Jon Uriarte’s backing, detailed in El Correo’s piece “Jon Uriarte: Las manos de Terzic,” is clear.
Three profiles, one message.
Agirrezabala is a young, high-potential goalkeeper. Terzic may prefer a more experienced, vocal presence. Vivian, a center-back, struggled with pace and distribution last season. Terzic’s system demands quick, ball-playing defenders. Vesga, a midfield anchor known for physicality, lacks mobility. In a high-energy system, that is a liability.
This is not a minor rotation. It is a statement. Terzic is reshaping the squad in his image. Those who do not fit risk being left behind.
The reaction from fans and local media is mixed. Is this a masterstroke or a misstep? The performance of the players who did feature against Derio will be scrutinized. If they deliver, Terzic’s gamble looks shrewd. If they falter, the pressure on the excluded trio—and the manager—will intensify.
What comes next?
Possible outcomes: loan moves, transfer exits, or a path back through intense training. Upcoming preseason fixtures will offer opportunities. But the message from Terzic is unambiguous. The Athletic squad is being rebuilt. The Derio friendly was the first test.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Which players did Terzic leave out of the squad against Derio?
- A: Terzic omitted goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, defender Unai Vivian, and midfielder Mikel Vesga from the preseason friendly against CD Derio.
- Q: Why were these players left out according to the analysis?
- A: Agirrezabala may be seen as lacking experience; Vivian struggled with pace and distribution; Vesga lacks mobility — all failing to meet Terzic’s tactical demands for a high-energy, ball-playing system.
- Q: How has the media and fan reaction been to Terzic’s decision?
- A: Reaction is mixed: some view it as a masterstroke of authority and squad reshaping, while others see it as a potential misstep that could backfire if the chosen players underperform.
Extended Reading
For further details, refer to the original reports: AS’s analysis of the omissions, Onda Vasca’s broadcast of the match, and El Correo’s profile on Terzic’s control under Jon Uriarte.