Bielsa confirms he will remain at Athletic Bilbao

09-Jul-2012 9:31:00 PM

After a disagreement over his altercation with a construction worker at the club's training ground, the Argentine boss has dismissed claims he is leaving the Spanish side

Marcelo Bielsa has revealed that he will not leave his position as Athletic Bilbao coach following a recent argument with the club's board of directors, but admitted that the squabble has changed their relationship.

The 56-year-old recently voiced his dismay that scheduled work at the club's training ground had not been completed in time for the start of pre-season and became embroiled in a heated dispute with the site manager.

Athletic then issued a statement distancing themselves from Bielsa's altercation with the construction company employee on Wednesday, leading to the Argentine offering his resignation.

Nevertheless, the Basque side refused to accept Bielsa's voluntary departure, and he has now made it clear that he will stay on after all.

"I will further continue my work as usual. The sporting director will resolve the situation. I can assure that I will remain fully committed to the club," a statement on Bielsa's Facebook page reads.

"I have analysed and discussed the content of the club's statement. I can accept that the club disagree with me, but not if it's beside the truth. What has happened will change our relationship."

Bielsa joined Bilbao in the summer of 2011, and guided the club to the Europa League and Copa del Rey finals, which they lost against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona respectively.