Terzic: 'It's very special for Athletic to have three world champions'

Edin Terzic, the head coach of Spanish football club Athletic Bilbao, described it as "very special" for the team to have three World Cup winners in its current squad. Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, and Nico Williams were all key players in Spain's recent World Cup victory.

"It is very special and part of the club's history," Terzic stated following a preseason friendly match. "We are proud that these players are part of our locker room. And personally, I am looking forward to them returning and starting to work with them." He revealed that he has maintained contact with the three players, believing it's crucial to establish a connection even from afar before their return.

Terzic acknowledged that the players deserve to enjoy their moment of triumph. "It is a very special moment for them, for their families, and for us as coaches and as a team," he added. When asked about potential interest from other clubs, such as Barcelona, in signing Laporte, Terzic downplayed the speculation, stating, "I think it's not a new story, perhaps with another name. I am very eager for all these players to return and start working with us."

The coach also provided an update on the team's preseason preparations. He positively assessed the team's performance in recent friendly matches against lower-division Basque teams, highlighting their role in building a "physical and tactical base." Terzic noted that these games are integral to their training, with the team working hard to be ready for the league's start in about a month. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming weeks of intense training.