José Alberto López Menéndez (born 21 May 1982), known as José Alberto, is a Spanish footballmanager and former player who played as a defender, who is currently in charge of Racing de Santander.
Career
Born in Oviedo, Asturias, José Alberto started his career at Astur CF's youth setup in 2001 (later renamed Oviedo ACF); at that time, he was playing as a senior for Tercera División side SDR San Lázaro, but retired shortly after. In 2006 he took over CD Vallobín's under-19 squad, but returned to Astur in the following year.[1]
In 2008, José Alberto moved to Sporting de Gijón, being named assistant manager of the under-14s. He was appointed manager of the under-13 team in the following year, and subsequently took over the under-14s.[1]
On 12 October 2013, José Alberto was named manager of Tercera División side CD Covadonga,[2] and led the side to fifth position during the campaign, one point shy of the play-offs. He resigned the following 19 May,[3] and returned to Sporting on 2 June.[4]
On 18 November 2018, José Alberto replaced Rubén Baraja at the helm of the first team.[7] His first match in charge occurred five days later, a 2–1 away win against Granada CF.[8] He was sacked on 21 December 2019, after two losses against fourth-tier Zamora CF in the Copa del Rey, and Extremadura UD.[9]
On 27 July 2020, José Alberto was appointed in charge of CD Mirandés, still in the second division.[10] The following 1 June, he was named in charge of fellow league team Málaga CF.[11]
^"José Alberto López, destituido" [José Alberto López, sacked] (in Spanish). Real Sporting. 21 December 2019. Archived from the original on 21 December 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
^"Mareo toma el mando en El Molinón" [Mareo takes the reins at the El Molinón] (in Spanish). El Comercio. 20 November 2018. Retrieved 24 November 2018.