CF Fuenlabrada has entrusted Alfredo Santa Elena to lead the team next season. The coach, with 22 seasons of experience, returns after a sabbatical year.
The CF Fuenlabrada has announced the signing of Alfredo Santa Elena as the new coach. The coach, originally from Vicálvaro but with roots in Yanguas de Eresma (Segovia), returns to the sidelines after a year away from the circuits. His goal: to restore hope to a club looking to establish itself in the category.
A career spanning 22 seasons
Santa Elena began his coaching career at Pegaso Tres Cantos in the 2002-03 season, transitioning from player to coach. Since then, he has managed teams such as CD Cobeña, CD Ciempozuelos, UD Ibiza, UD Marbella, Fútbol Alcobendas Sport, Atlético de Madrid C, and Atlético de Madrid B. He also served as assistant coach at Cádiz under Claudio Barragán and was head coach at UD San Sebastián de los Reyes and Rayo Majadahonda.
As a player, he played over 340 professional matches for teams such as Pegaso, Getafe, Atlético de Madrid, Deportivo de la Coruña, and Sevilla. He won three Copa del Rey titles and one Supercopa de España, in addition to being more than 10 times under-21 international. Under the guidance of coaches like Javier Clemente, Luis Aragonés, and John Benjamin Toshack, he developed his own style of play.
A coach who adapts to the project
Santa Elena has shown adaptability: at DUX Internacional (2020-21), he implemented a combinative style of football with the lowest budget in the category, achieving survival. At Rayo Majadahonda (2022-23), he took over a team with one point in six matches and led them to safety, nearly reaching the playoffs. However, at San Fernando CD Isleño, he could not prevent relegation to Segunda RFEF, and at CD Toledo, he was dismissed despite being in playoff positions.
The coach has stated that he is excited about the Fuenlabrada project and wants to make amends for his recent experiences. Several players have agreed to drop down categories to play under his command, which speaks to his good rapport in the dressing room.
What to expect from Fuenlabrada this season?
The blue club is betting on an experienced and charismatic coach. For the residents of Fuenlabrada, Santa Elena's arrival brings hope for attractive football and results. The team is already working on planning the squad, with pre-season just around the corner. The first official match will be in August, and the fans are eager to see the fruits of this investment soon.
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