Galaxy, Canales and Sancet brought together in Terzic’s side

Galaxy, Canales and Sancet were brought together by Edin Terzic, whose decisions drew attention after Saturday’s match at El Sadar. In the closing minutes, the coach made three defensive substitutions: Johaneko replaced Nico Williams, Prados came on for Canales, and Yeray took Berenguer’s place.

The late changes did not preserve the lead. Osasuna equalised in the 90th minute after a succession of errors by the rojiblancos. The team had gone ahead through a goal by the younger of the Williams brothers, set up by his brother, but could not hold on to that advantage. Terzic’s substitutions were consequently discussed in light of the late equaliser.

Another of the coach’s decisions had been to field Galarreta, Canales and Sancet together in central areas. That gives a fuller picture of his match management: Terzic had opted to pair those players in midfield before bringing Prados on for Canales in the closing moments.

The match came during a period in which Terzic has already made several adjustments. After three months of competition and twelve matches — eleven in Liga and one in the Cup — his team’s organisation has shifted slightly. It initially started in a 4-2-3-1, changing its shape according to which team had possession; it now begins in a 4-4-2, which is also flexible. The coach has introduced further touches to reshape the team.

The trusted starting eleven cited for Terzic consists of Unai Simón, Hugo Rincón, Paredes, Laporte, Yuri, Berenguer, Gerenabarrena, Canales, Nico Williams, Robert Navarro and Iñaki Williams. At El Sadar, however, he selected Vivian in place of Paredes. In terms of minutes, Sancet is the most notable absence from that side. Terzic has also turned to Rincón, Gere and Canales, all three returning from loan spells, and is also using Johaneko. Gere and Canales have moved from LaLiga Hypermotion to taking responsibility in Athletic’s midfield. In this new phase at Athletic under a new coach, Iñaki Williams is described as essential and back at the point of the attack; Robert Navarro could join him up front, as he did against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, while Berenguer and Nico Williams would occupy the wings. Laporte, meanwhile, is an immovable choice for Terzic.