Longhi's Managerial Career: A Journey Across Borders
Following a distinguished playing career, Longhi transitioned into football management, building a diverse resume that spans several tiers of Spanish football and international ventures. His career is characterized by a blend of head coaching roles and strategic partnerships as an assistant manager.
Early Management and Spanish Foundations
Longhi began his managerial journey shortly after retirement, taking the helm at Hospitalet. This initial experience was followed by a one-year tenure at FC Sant Cugat Esport. His connection to RCD Espanyol remained strong, leading him back to the club as an assistant. During this period, he served as the interim manager on April 16, 1989, guiding the team to a 1–0 away victory against Real Oviedo.
After another stint at Sant Cugat, Longhi's career progressed through several Spanish clubs. In May 1991, he was appointed manager of Gimnàstic de Tarragona, and by March 1994, he took charge of UE Figueres, a position he held until May 1995.
The Partnership with Víctor Muñoz
A significant chapter of Longhi's career began in the summer of 1997 when he joined the staff of Víctor Muñoz at CD Logroñés. While the two briefly parted ways in 1999 when Longhi managed Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa, they reunited the following year. This partnership saw them lead several high-profile teams, including Villarreal CF, Real Zaragoza, Panathinaikos F.C., Recreativo de Huelva, and Getafe CF.
Return to Espanyol and International Transition
On June 3, 2011, Longhi returned to RCD Espanyol to manage the B team. His role expanded briefly on November 28, 2012, when he stepped in to lead the main squad for a Copa del Rey match against Sevilla FC following the dismissal of Mauricio Pochettino; however, the match ended in a 0–3 loss.
After leaving Espanyol on January 30, 2013, Longhi sought opportunities abroad, moving to Italy on November 19 to manage Derthona F.B.C. 1908. He later returned to Spain in March 2014 to once again serve as an assistant to Víctor Muñoz at Zaragoza.
Success in Malaysia with Johor Darul Ta'zim
Longhi's career eventually took him to Southeast Asia, where he served as an assistant to fellow compatriot Mario Gómez at Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. On February 22, 2018, Longhi was appointed as the caretaker head coach following the resignation of Ulisses Morais.
His tenure in Malaysia was marked by significant success, as Johor Darul Ta'zim secured the 2018 Malaysia Super League title, marking their fifth consecutive league championship. Despite this success, Longhi was released in August 2018 as part of a management restructure, following a 2–1 home defeat to Malaysia Premier League side MISC-MIFA in the opening match of the 2018 Malaysia Cup.
During his time in Malaysia, Longhi addressed media reports from FOX Sports Asia regarding a potential rift with midfielder Safiq Rahim, who had seen limited playing time. Longhi explicitly denied any conflict between himself and the player.
Key Facts
- First Managerial Role: Hospitalet.
- Interim Success: Led RCD Espanyol to a 1–0 win over Real Oviedo in 1989.
- Key Partnership: Long-term collaboration with Víctor Muñoz across multiple clubs.
- International Experience: Managed in Italy (Derthona F.B.C. 1908) and Malaysia (Johor Darul Ta'zim).
- Major Achievement: Won the 2018 Malaysia Super League title.
| Club/Team | Role | Notable Event/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalet | Manager | First appointment post-retirement |
| RCD Espanyol | Assistant/Interim/B Team Manager | Interim win vs Real Oviedo (1989) |
| Gimnàstic de Tarragona | Manager | Appointed May 1991 |
| UE Figueres | Manager | Managed March 1994 – May 1995 |
| Various (with Víctor Muñoz) | Assistant | Villarreal, Zaragoza, Panathinaikos, Getafe |
| Derthona F.B.C. 1908 | Manager | First managerial role outside Spain |
| Johor Darul Ta'zim | Assistant/Caretaker Coach | 2018 Malaysia Super League Title |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which clubs did Longhi manage alongside Víctor Muñoz?
Longhi worked with Víctor Muñoz at CD Logroñés, Villarreal CF, Real Zaragoza, Panathinaikos F.C., Recreativo de Huelva, and Getafe CF.
What was Longhi's biggest achievement in Malaysia?
Under his leadership as caretaker head coach, Johor Darul Ta'zim won the 2018 Malaysia Super League title, which was the club's fifth consecutive championship.
Did Longhi have a conflict with Safiq Rahim?
No, Longhi denied reports of a rift with Safiq Rahim, despite the midfielder's limited game time as reported by FOX Sports Asia.
When did Longhi serve as an interim manager for RCD Espanyol's first team?
He served as interim manager on April 16, 1989, during a match where the club won 1–0 away against Real Oviedo.
Why did Longhi leave Johor Darul Ta'zim in 2018?
He was released in August 2018 as part of a management restructure following a 2–1 home loss to MISC-MIFA in the 2018 Malaysia Cup.