Valverde signs one-year extension at Athletic

Ernesto Valverde has agreed a one-year contract extension with Athletic Bilbao.

Valverde, who is in his third stint as Athletic coach, was coming to the end of his existing deal at the end of this season.

The former Barcelona coach returned to San Mames last June and enjoyed a strong start to the campaign.

Athletic were level on points with fourth-placed Atletico Madrid in LaLiga heading into the World Cup break, although they were winless in five following the resumption of the season.

Back-to-back victories have set Athletic back on course, however, and Valverde will now continue to lead the team until the end of next season.

He and his side have a big match against Atletico Madrid, now fourth and six points ahead, on Sunday.