Terzic praises Simón’s story and the work with Athletic’s goalkeepers

Terzic praised Simón’s journey, describing it as proof that a player can reach the highest level without leaving Athletic. “It is a wonderful story that shows you do not have to leave Athletic to be the best in the world,” the coach said.

He also stressed that the biggest achievements are possible at the club. “Winning the greatest team trophy, the World Cup, and being the best in your position can be done from this wonderful club.” Terzic used the opportunity to highlight the work with goalkeepers at Lezama and congratulate Aitor Iru, the first-team goalkeeper coach, as well as Padilla and Santos, Simón’s teammates.

“We congratulate them enormously. Padilla and Santos work with him every day to help him reach his limit, just like Aitor, our goalkeeping coach. Everyone involved in helping him reach his next level deserves congratulations,” he added.

The coach also said the trophy had not changed his opinion of Simón. He explained that his appreciation of the goalkeeper remained the same during the week he spent without the trophy alongside him: the award had simply shown everyone else what the club already knew. Terzic said he was delighted that one of their own had reached the highest level, while adding that he had nothing to do with the trophy because he benefits from Simón’s quality.

The comments come as Athletic prepare for their first Copa tie against Prat. Terzic said rotation would extend to the goalkeeping position, but did not reveal whether Padilla would start in Hospitalet. “I never talk about squads or line-ups on the day before a match. We have three games this week, and tomorrow there will be players who can take part and shine. I will not discuss names or the starting eleven,” he concluded. Athletic returned to training at Lezama today after Sunday’s emphatic win over Getafe and a day off yesterday.