Tevenet Takes the Reins at Valladolid After Almada's Shock Exit
Former Sevilla player Luis García Tevenet leaves his assistant role at Botafogo to become Real Valladolid's new manager, tasked with turning around their mid-table Segunda División campaign.
Tevenet Takes the Reins at Valladolid After Almada’s Shock Exit
Former Sevilla player Luis García Tevenet has been appointed as Real Valladolid’s new gaffer for the remainder of the season, stepping in after Guillermo Almada’s surprise departure to relegation-threatened Real Oviedo.
Botafogo Exit Finalised
The 51-year-old Andalusian has finally sorted his departure from Brazilian side Botafogo, where he’d been serving as assistant to Davide Ancelotti. The timing’s a bit Adam and Eve with Christmas upon us, meaning Valladolid have pushed his official presentation back to Monday, December 29th - just before the squad returns to training under their new boss.
Tevenet’s appointment comes after some proper hard bargaining between Valladolid and Oviedo over Almada’s exit. The clubs eventually reached an agreement that also includes the transfer of Kenedy to Mexican side Pachuca next summer.
Wealth of Experience
While this represents Tevenet’s biggest managerial challenge to date, he’s hardly a novice in the Spanish football scene:
- Cut his managerial teeth in Spain’s third tier with clubs including Orihuela, UCAM Murcia and Cartagena
- Achieved promotion to Segunda División with Huesca in 2015, though his stint there lasted just 16 matches
- Worked extensively with reserve teams, including Sevilla Atlético and Atlético Levante
- Impressively guided Atlético Madrileño from fourth tier to Primera RFEF in just two seasons
- Served as Diego Simeone’s assistant at Atlético Madrid before joining Ancelotti in Brazil
Tough Challenge Ahead
Tevenet’s brief is crystal clear - get Valladolid’s season back on track. The Blanquivioletas currently sit mid-table in LaLiga Hypermotion (Segunda División), actually closer to the relegation spots than the promotion playoff places with half the season nearly gone.
He’ll be thrown straight into the deep end with his first match being a proper baptism of fire against league leaders Racing Santander at the José Zorrilla on January 3rd.
Valladolid are banking on Tevenet’s reputation for nurturing young talent and his attacking football philosophy to revitalise their promotion ambitions. With 423 matches as head coach under his belt, the club will be hoping his experience translates into immediate results.