Julen Guerrerowhose career has been historically linked to Athletic Club. With his boots already hung up, he returns to carry out his work in football, this time from the stands as general director. In just four months, he has managed to Esteponareverse a critical relegation situationleaving the permanence practically on track.
The arrival of Julen Guerrero to the general management of Estepona occurred almost unexpected. The Biscayan coach came from being the cornerstone in the candidacy of Joao Diogo Manteigas to the presidency of Benficawhere he was projected as the training director of the Portuguese club. However, as said electoral project did not prosperGuerrero accepted the challenge of integrating into the structure of the Malaga club at a critical moment. Its incorporation was an emergency measure to save of the sporting chaos in which it was mired at the end of 2025.
A complicated challenge
This transition, from the showcase of a European giant like Benfica to the reality of Estepona, was decisive for the Costa del Sol club. Guerrero poured the entire experience and the work team that he had designed for elite football in a much more humble structure, achieving immediate stability. What began as an unforeseen movement after the electoral process in Portugal has ended up becoming the keystone for the survival and growth of a Estepona that today breathes out of danger positions.
After the death of his wife, The Malaga club did not hesitate to shower him with a heartfelt tribute in the 8th minute. The entire stadium burst into applause and the Biscayan, deeply moved by the respect received in his new home, He could not hold back his tears and stood up to return the applause to the stands. In networks, he communicated that there were no words to describe what he experienced.
There are no words to describe what I have experienced today
It was no coincidence that the tribute occurred at that moment. He minute 8It is a direct reference to the historical dorsal that he wore at Athletic Club, where he developed his entire professional career. After wearing the red and white shirt for 14 seasonsJulen became an eternal legend of San Mamés.
Julen Guerrero
Julen’s work at the club is worthy of gratitude. Upon arrival at the end of 2025, the scenario was bleak: the team was practically hopeless with barely 8 points in the box. However, under his direction, Estepona has achieved a spectacular metamorphosiseven managing to beat the leader. Currently, the team has escaped the danger zone, placing itself three points above direct relegation and just one point away from avoiding the play-out.
To reverse Estepona’s critical situation, Julen Guerrero led a comprehensive restructuring of the sports area based on professionalization and trust. The new technical organization chart is headed by the Marbella Manolo Sánchez, a strategist with great knowledge of the group and experience in Malaga, who they accompany Hugo Ramos (ex-Eibar) as assistant and Sergi Puertas (with a past at Espanyol) in physical preparation. This new structure is completed with analysts, goalkeeper coaches and specialized support from Emen4sporta high-performance sports consultancy that has modernized the club’s work methodology.
The arrival of a legendary Scepovic
At the staff level, Guerrero has optimized the winter market to the maximum, achieving high-level incorporations without compromising the economic stability of the entity. Thanks to this, the club has added the seniority and hierarchy of footballers such as Stefan Scepovic (former Sporting) and Héber Penaboth with a consolidated career in the First and Second Division. These reinforcements, added to the new work team, have been key pieces in transforming a team that was on the brink of the abyss into a solid and competitive project.
