Athletic Club coach Marcelo Bielsa has ended speculation surrounding his immediate future by agreeing terms on a one-year contract extension that runs until June 2013.
The 56-year-old took the hot seat at San Mamés a year ago and enjoyed an impressive start to his reign, guiding Athletic to a runners-up spot in both the UEFA Europa League and the Copa del Rey, while overseeing a tenth-placed Liga finish.
“Athletic Club and the coach Marcelo Bielsa have agreed to extend the contractual relationship between the two parties until June 30, 2013,” Athletic said in a statement on their website.
Athletic, who only field those of Basque origin, impressed fans across Europe last season with their style of play. With the kind of talent that they have in the squad like Spain pair Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez, playmaker Ander Herrera and attacking midfielders Iker Muniain and Oscar de Marcos, Athletic have to be considered a contender for one of the Champions League positions next season.