Miñambres: A Career in Football Management and Administration
The trajectory of Miñambres in professional football is characterized by a versatile transition between the touchline and the front office. Moving between the roles of head coach and director of football—the executive responsible for overseeing the sporting direction and recruitment of a club—Miñambres has left his mark on several prominent Spanish teams.
Early Coaching Experience
Miñambres began his managerial journey with his former team, Tenerife, serving as one of four different managers during the 1999–2000 season in the Segunda División (the second tier of Spanish football). This initial period served as a foundation for a series of coaching stints across various clubs, including Hércules CF, UD Salamanca, Alicante CF, and UE Lleida.
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Transition to Sporting Direction
In the 2007–08 season, Miñambres shifted his focus toward administration when he was appointed as the director of football for Rayo Vallecano. However, he remained capable of stepping back into a technical role when the club faced adversity.
On 15 February 2010, while Rayo Vallecano was competing in the second tier and experiencing a sporting crisis, Miñambres replaced the dismissed Pepe Mel as head coach. After successfully helping the team retain their league status, he returned to his administrative duties in June.
Leadership Roles at Celta de Vigo and Levante UD
After departing the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas in 2016, Miñambres took on a similar directorial role at RC Celta de Vigo. His career then led him to Levante UD on 11 February 2022, where he again served as director of football.
During his tenure at Levante, Miñambres twice stepped in as the interim manager. In October 2022, he took charge of the team for two matches following the departure of Mehdi Nafti. Later, on 19 February 2024, he returned to the bench to replace the sacked Javier Calleja, leading the team for the remainder of the season before reverting to his directorial role in June.
His time at Levante concluded on 26 February 2025, following reports that he had accepted a wage cut via WhatsApp.
Return to Tenerife and Presidency
Miñambres eventually returned to the club where his managerial career began. After serving as a counselor for two months, he was officially named the president of Tenerife on 3 June 2025.
Key Facts
- First Managerial Role: Tenerife (1999–2000).
- Dual Expertise: Experienced in both head coaching and football direction.
- Crisis Management: Saved Rayo Vallecano's league status in 2010.
- Executive Peak: Appointed President of Tenerife on 3 June 2025.
- Club History: Held roles at Hércules CF, UD Salamanca, Alicante CF, UE Lleida, Rayo Vallecano, RC Celta de Vigo, and Levante UD.
| Club | Primary Role(s) | Notable Period/Event |
|---|---|---|
| Tenerife | Manager / President | Started coaching (1999-2000); President (2025) |
| Rayo Vallecano | Director of Football / Coach | Retained league status in 2010 |
| RC Celta de Vigo | Director of Football | Post-2016 appointment |
| Levante UD | Director of Football / Coach | Interim coach in 2022 and 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Miñambres start his coaching career?
Miñambres began coaching with Tenerife during the 1999–2000 season in the Segunda División.
What role did he play at Rayo Vallecano?
He served as the director of football starting in the 2007–08 season and briefly stepped in as head coach in February 2010 to help the club avoid relegation.
How many times did he manage Levante UD?
He took charge of the team on two separate occasions: briefly in October 2022 for two matches and again from February 2024 until the end of that season.
Why did Miñambres leave Levante UD in 2025?
He left the club on 26 February 2025, following allegations that he had agreed to a wage cut via WhatsApp.
What is Miñambres' current position as of June 2025?
As of 3 June 2025, Miñambres is the president of Tenerife.