Etxeberria: A Global Journey Through Football Management
The path to football management is rarely linear, and for Etxeberria, it began with a paradoxical relationship with the sport. Born in San Sebastián in the Basque Country, Etxeberria once candidly admitted to Marca in 2024 that he was not a gifted player. However, rather than turning away from the game, this struggle fueled a deeper passion for the strategic side of the sport, leading him into a diverse career as a coach and director across multiple continents.
Early Career and Spanish Foundations
Etxeberria's professional journey began in 2004 with Al Khaleej Club in the United Arab Emirates. He later returned to Spain to hone his craft in high-pressure environments, serving as an assistant manager to Javier Irureta at the La Liga club Real Zaragoza in 2008, and subsequently assisting Javi Salamero at Girona FC in the Segunda División in 2009.
In late 2009, Etxeberria ventured into the English football league system, joining Dorchester Town in the Conference South (the sixth tier). Due to legal disputes between the club and its former chairman, he served as a consultant and first-team coach. By March 2010, following the permanent appointment of Ashley Vickers as manager, Etxeberria returned to Spain to take on the role of director of football at Deportivo Alavés in the Segunda División B, a position he held until May 2011.
In June 2012, he accepted a dual role as manager and director at UD Salamanca. The third-tier club was facing severe economic instability at the time. Etxeberria was dismissed on March 4 of the following year and replaced by José María Hernández. The club was ultimately dissolved at the end of that season, leading to the creation of two successor entities: the corporate Salamanca CF UDS and the fan-owned Unionistas de Salamanca CF. Etxeberria later revealed that he had attempted to coordinate with the mayor of Salamanca to ensure only one successor club was formed.
International Ventures: Portugal and Australia
Seeking new challenges, Etxeberria moved to Portugal in August 2013, joining Atlético Clube de Portugal in the Segunda Liga. His tenure in Lisbon was brief; after securing 12 points from 14 matches with the club sitting in 19th place, he departed on November 9.
After a three-year stint as director of CD Hernani in Gipuzkoa, Etxeberria moved to Australia in June 2017. He signed an 18-month contract with Sydney Olympic FC in the National Premier Leagues NSW, the second tier of the regional system. His time there ended abruptly on March 2, 2018, when he became the first manager sacked that season, replaced by Abbas Saad.
However, this dismissal led to a legal victory. In February 2020, a FIFA tribunal ruled that Etxeberria had been wrongfully dismissed, awarding him AU$ 80,000 in compensation.
Return to Spain and Recent Roles
Etxeberria returned to Salamanca in June 2018 as the director of Unionistas, leaving in November 2019. In January 2020, he joined Real Unión in his home province on an 18-month deal. He stepped into the role of caretaker manager on February 25, 2020, following the dismissal of Alberto Iturralde.
His tenure at Real Unión saw significant success, including promotion to the Primera Federación (the newly formed third tier of Spanish football). Under the ownership of Unai Emery's family, Etxeberria signed a one-year contract extension in June 2021, which he served until its conclusion.
Most recently, Etxeberria has held several directorial positions. He joined CF Rayo Majadahonda in June 2022, though he was replaced by Néstor Susaeta within weeks. In January 2023, he returned to Zaragoza for the first time in nearly 15 years, joining CD Ebro as a director.
Key Facts
- Origins: Born in San Sebastián, Basque Country.
- Global Experience: Coached and managed in the UAE, England, Portugal, Australia, and Spain.
- Legal Victory: Awarded AU$ 80,000 by a FIFA tribunal for wrongful dismissal from Sydney Olympic FC.
- Notable Achievement: Oversaw promotion to the Primera Federación with Real Unión.
- Versatility: Has operated as a first-team coach, caretaker manager, manager, and director of football.
| Period | Club/Organization | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Al Khaleej Club | Coach | UAE |
| 2008 | Real Zaragoza | Assistant Manager | Spain |
| 2009 | Dorchester Town | Consultant/Coach | England |
| 2010-2011 | Deportivo Alavés | Director of Football | Spain |
| 2012-2013 | UD Salamanca | Manager/Director | Spain |
| 2013 | Atlético Clube de Portugal | Manager | Portugal |
| 2017-2018 | Sydney Olympic FC | Manager | Australia |
| 2020-2022 | Real Unión | Caretaker Manager | Spain |
| 2023 | CD Ebro | Director | Spain |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Etxeberria leave Sydney Olympic FC?
He was sacked on March 2, 2018, marking the first managerial dismissal of that season. He was subsequently replaced by Abbas Saad.
What was the outcome of the FIFA tribunal regarding his time in Australia?
The FIFA tribunal ruled that Etxeberria had been wrongfully dismissed and awarded him AU$ 80,000 in compensation in February 2020.
Which club did Etxeberria lead to promotion in the Primera Federación?
He was the manager of Real Unión during their promotion to the Primera Federación in June 2021.
What role did Etxeberria play during the dissolution of UD Salamanca?
He served as manager and director during the club's period of severe economic distress. After the club dissolved, he attempted to persuade the mayor of Salamanca to support a single successor club rather than multiple entities.
How did Etxeberria describe his own playing ability?
In a 2024 interview with Marca, he described himself as a "bad footballer," noting that this experience actually increased his love for the game and drove him toward coaching.