Aguilar's Managerial Career Path in Spanish Football
The transition from player to coach is a challenging journey that requires patience, tactical growth, and a willingness to work through the ranks. For Aguilar, this path has been defined by a steady progression through youth academies and reserve teams, eventually leading to a stint at the helm of a professional first team.
Early Coaching Steps and Assistant Roles
Aguilar began his managerial journey in 2009, stepping into the role of assistant manager under Rafa Muñoz at Sangonera Atlético CF, a club competing in the third division. This early experience provided a foundation in professional coaching dynamics.
In January 2011, he reunited with Muñoz to join the staff at CD Leganés. However, his tenure with the club was brief, as he departed the side just one month later.
Developing Talent in Youth Academies
Following his time as an assistant, Aguilar shifted his focus toward youth development. In July 2011, he was appointed as the manager of the Juvenil C squad (the under-18 category) at Club Atlético Perines. During this period, he also contributed his expertise to the Cantabrian Football Federation.
In July 2014, Aguilar returned to a familiar environment by joining Racing Santander, one of the clubs where he had previously played. He took charge of the Cadete A squad, focusing on the development of players in the under-16 age group.
His success with the younger cohorts led to a promotion in 2017, when he was named the manager of Racing Santander's Juvenil A squad.
Rise Through the FC Cartagena Ranks
On July 31, 2020, Aguilar moved into senior football management when he was appointed head of the FC Cartagena reserve team, competing in the fourth division. This role served as a bridge between youth coaching and the pressures of professional league football.
His trajectory took a significant turn on December 18, 2020. Following the dismissal of Borja Jiménez, Aguilar was named the interim manager of the FC Cartagena main squad. His performance during this transition period impressed the club's leadership, and four days later, he was officially confirmed as the first-team manager.
Despite the promotion, his time leading the senior squad was short-lived. On January 11, 2021, after managing three matches with the first team, Aguilar returned to lead the B-side (the reserve team).
Key Facts
- First Assistant Role: Started in 2009 at Sangonera Atlético CF.
- Youth Specialization: Managed Juvenil C at Club Atlético Perines and Cadete A and Juvenil A at Racing Santander.
- Professional Peak: Served as the first-team manager of FC Cartagena in December 2020.
- Reserve Team Experience: Managed FC Cartagena's fourth-division reserve squad.
| Year | Club/Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Sangonera Atlético CF | Assistant Manager |
| 2011 | CD Leganés | Assistant Manager |
| 2011 | Club Atlético Perines | Juvenil C Manager |
| 2014 | Racing Santander | Cadete A Manager |
| 2017 | Racing Santander | Juvenil A Manager |
| 2020 | FC Cartagena | Reserve Team Manager |
| 2020 | FC Cartagena | First Team Manager |
| 2021 | FC Cartagena | Reserve Team Manager |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Aguilar first start his coaching career?
Aguilar began his managerial career in 2009 as an assistant to Rafa Muñoz at Sangonera Atlético CF.
Which youth teams did Aguilar manage at Racing Santander?
He managed both the Cadete A squad starting in 2014 and the Juvenil A squad starting in 2017.
How did Aguilar become the first-team manager of FC Cartagena?
He was initially appointed as the interim manager on December 18, 2020, following the dismissal of Borja Jiménez, and was officially confirmed as the manager four days later.
How many matches did Aguilar manage for the FC Cartagena first team?
Aguilar managed the main squad for three matches before returning to the reserve team on January 11, 2021.
What other organizations did Aguilar work for besides football clubs?
While managing the Juvenil C squad at Club Atlético Perines, he also worked for the Cantabrian Football Federation.