Joseba Etxeberria named Albacete coach, replacing Alberto González until season’s end

Albacete have appointed Joseba Etxeberria as their new head coach, replacing Alberto González just 24 hours after his sacking. The decision came after the 1-3 defeat to Eibar, which leaves the side last in the table with 1 point from 24 across the first eight league games.

Etxeberria, born in Elgoibar 49 years ago, arrives in La Mancha with his trusted staff: José Antonio Valle as his assistant and Javi González as the fitness coach. He has signed until the end of the season and will run his first session on Monday at 11:00 at the Andrés Iniesta training ground, before his official presentation.

On Tuesday he will make his debut on the bench in the JCCM Trophy final against Talavera at La Fuensanta in Cuenca.

González’s departure followed what the club described as a “disastrous” start to the campaign. This Sunday he said goodbye in an emotional press conference, thanking everyone for the chance to reach professional football and the treatment received from the club and the city, adding that he “will always carry it within him”. He also bid farewell to the squad and backroom staff, ending two and a half years in charge at Albacete, according to MARCA.