Igor Oca Set to Keep Leganés Job After Impressive Interim Spell
The former B team coach has steadied the ship at Butarque with two solid draws and could be confirmed as permanent manager before Thursday's deadline.
From Caretaker to Commander: Oca Wins Over Leganés Brass
In just 11 days and two matches, Igor Oca has done enough to convince Leganés that he’s the right man to steer their troubled ship through choppy Segunda División waters.
The former B team coach stepped into the breach after Paco López’s surprise dismissal earlier this month, inheriting a squad in absolute tatters. Not only were they on a dismal run of three consecutive defeats, but the treatment room was fuller than a Piccadilly Line carriage at rush hour.
Turning the Tide
Despite having just 48 hours to prepare for his first match against Córdoba, Oca managed to stabilize a sinking ship. His pragmatic approach - focusing on defensive solidity and minimizing errors - immediately halted the free-fall, securing a valuable point.
However, it was this weekend’s performance that really had the Butarque faithful purring. Taking on league leaders Racing Santander away from home, Leganés showed tremendous character to earn a 1-1 draw with a display that belied their recent struggles.
Why Oca Makes Sense
Several factors are working in Oca’s favor as the club approaches Thursday’s deadline to confirm their new manager:
- Inside knowledge: As B team coach, he has unparalleled understanding of the squad and rising academy talents
- Quick impact: He’s already changed the team’s mentality and performance levels in minimal time
- Proven template: Leganés previously had success promoting Carlos Martínez from the B team when Imanol Idiakez departed
- Limited options: The club’s current league position makes the job less attractive than it was in pre-season
- Lack of alternatives: Several external candidates reportedly showed little interest when approached
Looking Ahead
If confirmed, Oca’s first official match as permanent boss would be a fascinating encounter at Butarque against Sporting Gijón - a fixture that would see him face off against former Leganés manager Borja Jiménez.
For a club that was caught completely off guard by López’s exit (they reportedly never considered his departure a possibility), promoting from within could provide the stability needed to climb away from the danger zone.
The decision must be finalized by Thursday, but all signs point to Oca having done enough to earn the top job on merit rather than mere convenience.