Tomeu Nadal reveals the secrets behind Castellón's surprise leadership
From relegation fears to topping the table: How Pablo Hernández transformed Castellón's fortunes and why former keeper Nadal believes they're ready for whatever comes next.
Former professional goalkeeper turned technical secretary shares insights on the club’s remarkable turnaround and potential promotion hopes.
From keeper to kingmaker
Tomeu Nadal might be a novice in the director’s box, but the 37-year-old is proving he’s got a proper football brain on him. After hanging up his gloves in summer 2025 following a career spanning over 300 professional appearances for clubs including Mallorca, Getafe and Tenerife, Nadal has swapped shot-stopping for squad-building at Castellón.
Speaking to Radio Marca Baleares’ ‘D-Lokos’ program, the Manacor-born former keeper opened up about his first season in the technical secretary role, describing January’s transfer window as “a bit intense” with three arrivals and four departures.
“I’m just a beginner in this position,” admits Nadal, displaying refreshing humility for someone whose team currently sits top of Spain’s second tier. “It’s been a massive learning process. We’ve experienced many situations in a short time.”
The Pablo Hernández effect
Castellón’s season has been a proper tale of two halves. After sacking Johan Plat in late September, the club promoted B-team coach Pablo Hernández – a former player who enjoyed spells at Valencia, Getafe and Leeds United before retiring at his beloved Castellón.
The appointment has worked absolute wonders:
- 14 wins, 4 draws and just 3 defeats in 21 LaLiga Hypermotion matches under Hernández
- Transformed from relegation candidates to table-toppers
- Implemented an attacking, possession-based philosophy
Nadal couldn’t be clearer about the impact: “Pablo Hernández has hit the nail on the head with the first team. We want a side that gets into the opposition box, takes control, and dominates opponents with the ball – that’s our style.”
What makes Hernández special, according to Nadal, is his man-management. “Beyond being a great coach, he’s proving to be an excellent manager. Having been a player himself, he knows how to get the best performance from Castellón’s squad.”
Ready for the big time?
With Castellón sitting pretty at the summit of Spain’s second division, the elephant in the room is whether they’re prepared for potential promotion to La Liga.
Nadal’s having none of the coy, one-game-at-a-time cobblers that managers usually trot out. Instead, he’s refreshingly direct: “The club is ready for whatever might come, whether that’s promotion to Primera or staying in Segunda.”
“We’re very well positioned, which puts us in two possible scenarios. That’s what we’re currently working on – being prepared for whatever comes.”
For a club that was staring at relegation just months ago, it’s a proper Bobby Dazzler of a turnaround. The question now is whether they can keep their bottle and finish the job.