Ander Garitano

1. Playing Career

Ander Garitano Urkizu's playing career spanned over a decade, marked by his consistent performance as a left midfielder and his notable free-kick abilities. He spent nearly his entire professional playing career in La Liga, representing only two clubs: his boyhood club Athletic Bilbao and later Real Zaragoza. His career is distinguished by his longevity and significant contributions to both teams.

2. Coaching Career

Following his retirement as a player, Ander Garitano transitioned into coaching, primarily working within the youth and reserve systems of Real Zaragoza.

His initial coaching role was with Zaragoza's youth teams. In mid-January 2008, he was appointed first-team manager of Real Zaragoza, replacing the dismissed Víctor Fernández. His debut as a first-team coach came in a Spanish Cup round-of-16 second leg tie against Racing de Santander, which ended in a 4-2 loss for Zaragoza, leading to a 5-3 aggregate defeat. Garitano managed only one league game for the first team, a 3-1 home victory over Real Murcia. However, just two days after this solitary league match, he resigned from the position, citing a "lack of commitment." Following his departure, Real Zaragoza appointed two more managers before the end of the 2007-08 La Liga season, which ultimately concluded with the club's relegation.

Garitano returned to Real Zaragoza for the 2008-09 season, once again taking on a role as a youth coach. In late 2009, he moved to manage Deportivo Aragón, Zaragoza's reserve team, after José Aurelio Gay was promoted to the main squad's managerial position.

3. Honours

Zaragoza

• Copa del Rey: 2000-01

4. Personal Life

Ander Garitano comes from a family with deep roots in professional football. He is the younger brother of Angel Garitano, who was widely known by his nickname 'Ondarru'. Angel served for many years as an assistant coach to Mané at various clubs, including Deportivo Alavés and Athletic Bilbao.

Ander Garitano is also the uncle of Gaizka Garitano, another professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Gaizka, after an unsuccessful period in Athletic Bilbao's academy, went on to represent other clubs in the Basque Country, such as SD Eibar, Real Sociedad, and Deportivo Alavés. The Garitano family has a distant connection to Juan Urquizu, who also had a significant career at Athletic Bilbao both as a player and a manager. However, it is important to note that the Basque player and manager Asier Garitano is not related to Ander Garitano or his family.

5. Assessment and Legacy

Ander Garitano Urkizu's legacy in Spanish football is primarily defined by his long and dedicated playing career, almost entirely spent in La Liga, and his subsequent transition into coaching. As a player, he was a consistent and impactful presence in the midfield, known for his free-kick ability and goal-scoring contributions from that position. His nine seasons at Athletic Bilbao and six seasons at Real Zaragoza underscore his commitment and value to these clubs. His part in Real Zaragoza's 2000-01 Copa del Rey victory stands out as a significant achievement of his playing career.

His brief but notable stint as a first-team manager for Real Zaragoza highlights the inherent challenges of football management, particularly when facing immediate high-pressure situations and the complexities of team dynamics. Despite the short tenure, his willingness to step into such a role reflected his deep understanding of the game and desire to contribute beyond his playing days. Garitano's continued involvement in football through youth and reserve coaching roles further demonstrates his dedication to developing talent and contributing to the sport at a foundational level. Through his career, he has represented the spirit of professionalism and commitment in Spanish football.

6. Career Statistics