Real Madrid swoop for Zaragoza analyst amid club shake-up | OneFootball

Beñat Labaien’s tenure at Real Zaragoza has come to an abrupt conclusion, with the Basque analyst set to join Xabi Alonso’s backroom team at Real Madrid. Labaien joined Zaragoza alongside Miguel Ángel Ramírez, who was appointed manager at the end of December 2024, but both men lasted only a little more than two months at La Romareda.

The analyst’s time in Aragón coincided entirely with Ramírez’s ill-fated period in charge. After Zaragoza’s heavy defeat to Almería in mid-March, the club acted swiftly, dismissing Ramírez the following morning in a bid to reverse a dire run of form. Labaien, brought in specifically by Ramírez, departed alongside the manager.

Prior to his brief spell at Zaragoza, Labaien built a varied CV with experience in the youth ranks of Atlético de Madrid, and stints at both Leeds United and Real Sociedad. Despite his short stay, he left a positive impression in the Zaragoza dressing room, with club captain Francho Serrano sending good wishes via social media, and former player Juanjo Narváez commenting “Otro nivel” in support.

Labaien’s next challenge comes at one of the game’s highest-profile clubs. From next season, he will be tasked with analysing some of world football’s most recognisable talents at Valdebebas, including the likes of Mbappé, Vinícius Jr and Jude Bellingham, under the leadership of Xabi Alonso. The incoming Real Madrid staff also includes Sebastián Parrilla as assistant manager, Alberto Encinas in a supporting role, and Ismael Cameforte-López as fitness coach. The full group is expected to debut officially at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.

Labaien’s departure is just the latest in a series of changes to Zaragoza’s football department, as the club embarks on a wider restructuring. With survival in the Segunda División secured following another challenging campaign, new leadership under Juanfran Torres and Jorge López is set to be confirmed imminently, while Gabi Fernández—who took over as head coach after Ramírez—has called for a complete rebuild of the squad and sporting project.

For Zaragoza, Labaien’s exit and the continual overhaul of staff underline the scale of transition and the need to re-establish stability. The club, after three turbulent seasons punctuated by frequent coaching switches and turnover both on and off the pitch, is preparing for a root-and-branch reset as it looks to realign its ambitions with clearer direction from the top.

Source: Heraldo de Aragón