Ziganda to leave Athletic Bilbao

Jose Angel Ziganda's departure from Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season has been confirmed by the LaLiga club.

Athletic Bilbao will need a new coach for the 2018-19 season after confirming Jose Angel Ziganda will leave at the conclusion of the campaign.

Ziganda, who spent seven years with the club as a player, was appointed last May as the replacement for Ernesto Valverde, who moved to Barcelona and led the Catalan giants to a domestic double this term.

But Athletic struggled for consistent form throughout the season and sit 14th in LaLiga with two matches remaining.

Ziganda's departure was announced at a news conference on Thursday, with president Josu Urrutia thanking the coach for his efforts.

"It's a sad moment for me, but as Josu has said, the important thing is the club and I understand the decision," Ziganda told reporters. 

"We have to put the club ahead of friends and it's a decision that I understand very much.

"I had an opportunity to be in a privileged place and I have not been able to achieve the objectives."