Athletic Bilbao have parted ways with coach Marcelo Bielsa after a disappointing second campaign at the club.

Athletic president Josu Urrutia confirmed the news at a press conference, saying that the board had unanimously taken the decision in the "best interests" of the club.

The Basque side thrived in their first season under Bielsa but the Argentinean coach was unable to build on that as they fought to avoid the drop this term and eventually finished in 12th place.

A statement on the club's official website read, "Josu Urrutia has announced the decision of the club not to offer a contract renewal to Marcelo Bielsa to lead the club next season."

The president was also quoted in Spanish media as saying, "We needed to have guaranteed our (Primera Division) safety to make decisions and from there we started to evaluate many issues about the sporting and institutional areas.

"Last night, in our latest board meeting, we decided unanimously not to propose the continuity of Bielsa, because it is best for the interests of Athletic and we've opted for a change."