Olabe: A Journey Through Coaching and Football Operations
Transitioning from the pitch to the touchline is a challenging leap for any athlete, but for Olabe, it became the start of a diverse career in football management. After retiring from professional play in June 1999 at the age of 31, Olabe immediately pivoted into leadership, beginning his journey with the youth ranks of Real Sociedad.
Early Coaching and the Real Sociedad Challenge
Olabe's ascent to the first team came during the 2001–02 season. Following the dismissal of John Toshack, Olabe was appointed to lead the first team. He faced the daunting task of preventing relegation, a goal he successfully achieved by securing five wins and two draws across nine matches.
However, this period was not without controversy. On July 2, 2002, Olabe and his assistant manager, Jesús María Zamora, were issued a four-month ban. The disciplinary action was taken because Olabe did not possess the required coaching licence at the time.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Expanding Experience Across Spanish Football
Following a tenure as the director of football—a role responsible for the overall sporting strategy and player recruitment—Olabe moved into a head coaching role with Eibar on December 27, 2005. This stint was short-lived; he was dismissed less than three months later as the club suffered relegation from the second tier.
Olabe's career continued to evolve through various roles at Almería, where he had previously served in directorial capacities. During the 2010–11 season, he was one of three managers tasked with leading the team, though the campaign ultimately ended with the club returning to the second division after four years in the top flight. Shortly after, in the following summer, he joined Real Unión as manager.
Transition to Executive Leadership
In March 2018, Olabe returned to his roots at Real Sociedad, stepping into the role of director of football to replace Loren. This move signaled a shift toward the administrative and strategic side of the sport, focusing on long-term club stability and squad building.
His expertise in football operations eventually caught the attention of the English Premier League. On September 23, 2025, Olabe joined Aston Villa as the president of football operations, succeeding his compatriot Monchi.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Retirement: Ended playing career in June 1999 at age 31.
- Real Sociedad Success: Avoided relegation in 2001–02 with 5 wins and 2 draws in 9 games.
- Licensing Issue: Received a four-month ban in 2002 for lacking a coaching licence.
- Executive Roles: Served as director of football at Real Sociedad and president of football operations at Aston Villa.
- International Move: Joined Aston Villa on September 23, 2025.
| Period/Date | Club | Role |
|---|---|---|
| June 1999 | Real Sociedad | Youth Coach |
| 2001–2002 | Real Sociedad | First Team Coach |
| Dec 2005 | Eibar | Coach |
| 2010–2011 | Almería | Manager |
| Summer 2011 | Real Unión | Manager |
| March 2018 | Real Sociedad | Director of Football |
| Sept 2025 | Aston Villa | President of Football Operations |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Olabe start his coaching career?
Olabe began coaching immediately after his retirement from professional football in June 1999, starting with the youth teams at Real Sociedad.
Why was Olabe banned from coaching in 2002?
Olabe and assistant Jesús María Zamora were handed a four-month ban because Olabe did not hold the necessary coaching licence.
Which clubs did Olabe manage in the Spanish second division?
Olabe held coaching or managerial roles at Eibar and Almería during their time in the second division.
What is Olabe's current role at Aston Villa?
As of September 23, 2025, Olabe serves as the president of football operations at Aston Villa, having taken over from Monchi.
How did Olabe perform during his first stint with the Real Sociedad first team?
He successfully avoided relegation by achieving five wins and two draws in nine matches after replacing John Toshack.