Ibai Gómez named Real Zaragoza head coach in Primera Federación | OneFootball

Real Zaragoza have appointed Ibai Gómez as head coach for 2026-27 in Primera Federación. The club said in a statement that the Bilbao-born coach arrives to restore stability and lead the push back towards professional football.

Gómez, regarded as young and modern, fits the club’s medium and long-term plan to build a competitive side. He is also tasked with rekindling the bond with a support base scarred by recent disappointments.

His coaching vocation began early, directing youth sides at Santutxu as a teenager and following a cohort through several stages of development.

As a player he made close to 300 appearances across LaLiga, European competition and the Copa del Rey. He won the Supercopa de España in 2015 and 2021, experience he now brings to the touchline.

After retiring, he led Santutxu in the División de Honor Juvenil in 2023-24. That work earned him involvement with the Dominican Republic at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

He then took Arenas de Getxo in 2024-25 to the Group two title in Segunda Federación, sealing promotion. That success led to Andorra in LaLiga Hypermotion, where a poor run curtailed his spell but his possession-first approach was clear.

In Zaragoza he faces arguably his biggest test yet. He will be joined by trusted aides Iñigo Larriqueta and David Vinatea as he seeks to implant an attacking, front foot identity and move the team upwards.

Source: Superdeporte