Gregorio Manzano

Early career (1983–1999)

Born in Bailén, Jaén, Andalusia, Manzano's training career started in 1983 at the age of 27. He took charge of several teams in his native region, including Real Jaén in the Tercera División. In 1996, Manzano signed with Talavera from Segunda División B. During his two-season spell he led the Castilla–La Mancha team to a second-place finish in their group (1996–97), and a narrow miss on promotion (1997–98). His good work there prompted the interest – and signing – from Segunda División club Toledo, which he helped retain their league status with a seventh place.

Six clubs in six years (1999–2005)

Manzano had his first La Liga experience with Real Valladolid, in 1999–2000. His new side finished eighth, and the season included a 1–0 win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. For the following campaign, he stayed in the top flight with Racing de Santander; in spite of a 4–0 home victory over Barcelona, the Cantabrians were relegated and the coach was fired. After helping Rayo Vallecano finish 11th in 2001–02's top division, Manzano signed for Mallorca. Season highlights were another win at Real Madrid (5–1) and the conquest of the Copa del Rey after beating Recreativo de Huelva. Subsequently, Manzano joined Atlético Madrid, nearly qualifying the side for the UEFA Cup after finishing seventh. After the sacking of Iñaki Sáez as Spain national team coach, he was rumoured to be one of his possible successors, but nothing…

Mallorca

Copa del Rey: 2002–03 Individual

Don Balón Award – Coach of the Year: 2008 Chinese Football Association Coach of the Year: 2014