Spanish Dugout Drama: Three La Liga Sides Left in Managerial Limbo
Real Sociedad, Levante and Real Oviedo (until recently) all operating without permanent managers in an unprecedented situation for Spanish football.
In an extraordinary situation never before seen in Spanish football, multiple top-flight clubs find themselves without permanent managers as the first trimester of the season concludes and the calendar year draws to a close.
The Managerial Merry-Go-Round
Three clubs in particular have been caught with their trousers down in the managerial department:
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Real Sociedad: Currently operating under interim boss Ansotegi following the dismissal of Sergio Francisco. Reports suggest German-American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo is close to taking the reins, but their Copa del Rey commitments appear to have delayed any official announcement.
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Levante: Perhaps the most relaxed about their predicament, with the board showing little urgency to replace Julián Calero who was given the old heave-ho over two weeks ago. Álvaro del Moral and former Valencia captain Vicente Iborra are currently sharing dugout responsibilities.
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Real Oviedo: Recently ended their managerial vacancy by appointing Guillermo Almada, but had been part of this unusual triumvirate of rudderless clubs.
Relegation Fears Driving the Drama
It’s no coincidence these managerial vacancies coincide with poor league positions. Levante currently prop up the table as dead last, with Real Oviedo just one place better off in 19th position. Meanwhile, La Real are flirting with disaster, sitting 15th and just a single point above the drop zone.
What makes this situation particularly noteworthy is the timing. While mid-season sackings are hardly rare in football, having multiple top-flight Spanish clubs simultaneously operating with caretaker managers is unprecedented.
The Christmas period often prompts clubs to take stock of their season so far, and clearly these three outfits have decided change was needed. However, the failure to immediately secure permanent replacements suggests either a lack of planning or difficulty in attracting suitable candidates.
For Real Sociedad especially, who were competing in European competition not long ago, the current predicament represents a dramatic fall from grace. Their supporters will be hoping Matarazzo – if appointed – can quickly steady what has become an increasingly rocky ship.
As the January transfer window approaches, these clubs will be desperate to resolve their managerial situations swiftly, allowing any new appointments sufficient time to identify reinforcements needed for the relegation battles that undoubtedly lie ahead.