Pepe Mel appointed as new UD Almería head coach
The Madrid-born coach, who has a long and brilliant sporting career, will be at the helm of the first team until the end of the season
Pepe Mel has been appointed as the new UD Almería head coach after former gaffer Gaizka Garitano has parted ways with UD Almería. This replacement has taken place this Wednesday afternoon once the Bilbao-born coach has signed his departure and the new head coach has put pen to paper on his deal until the end of the present 2023/24 season.
The Madrid native head coach has extensive experience leading teams and a brilliant footballing career both nationally and internationally. In fact, he has been in charge of nearly 600 top-tier and second-tier matches in Spain, in addition to having also featured in the Premier League.
Pepe Mel has coached Club's like Málaga CF, UD Las Palmas, Deportivo de La Coruña, Real Betis in two stages helping them to qualify for European competition; Rayo Vallecano, Deportivo Alavés, Tenerife, Real Murcia and Poli Ejido when the Ejidenses competed in the Segunda Division of Spanish football. At the end of last year, he took the helms of OFI Creta from the Greek league, putting an end to his contract last February, which has made his signing for UD Almeria possible.
José Mel Pérez was born on 28th February in Madrid. Since he was little he was already linked to football and was trained in the lower ranks of Real Madrid CF until debuting for RM Castilla CF. Later, also during his time as a footballer, he played for Osasuna, CD CA Castellón, Real Betis, Granada CF, Getafe, Écija and Angers SCO.